Everton Transfer News: Toffees linked with sensational £17m transfer coup

Everton are thought to have been given a ‘golden opportunity’ to sign one of their best former players as the Toffees seek to solve their attacking woes.

David Moyes’ side have steered clear of the kind of relegation trouble that has plagued the Merseyside club in recent years, though they continue to disappoint on the pitch, with only promoted Sunderland scoring fewer among those in the top half of the Premier League table.

Part of the problem has been Everton’s underperforming forwards, with Beto and Thierno Barry scoring just six goals between them this term.

Barry is the Toffees’ current top goalscorer, albeit tied with Iliman Ndiaye, who has been at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who hasn’t played since mid-December.

As for Beto, he has just two goals to his name, with his header in the recent 4-2 defeat to Brentford his first goal since August.

A recent report has tentatively put forward a potential solution to Everton’s lack of attacking firepower, which must be at the forefront of Moyes’ mind amid an inconsistent season thus far.

According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Everton are eyeing up a sensational reunion with Romelu Lukaku.

Moyes has identified the Belgian as the ideal man to rejuvenate his ailing attack, despite the 32-year-old not making an appearance for Napoli this season through injury.

However, despite the Toffees thought to be ‘seriously considering’ a deal, the likelihood of such a transfer is disputed.

Fichajes states that Napoli would value Lukaku at around €20m (£17.4m), with the 124-cap Belgium international apparently ‘offered to several British clubs’, hinting at the striker’s availability.

Unfortunately for Everton, they are not alone in their interest, as Aston Villa were also namechecked as admirers.

If that wasn’t enough, journalist Nicolo Schira appeared to pour cold water on the idea of Lukaku returning to Merseyside, claiming he will “stay at Napoli” and that he is considered “non-transferable” by Antonio Conte, who is seeking successive Serie A titles in Naples.

Putting aside the emotional aspect of bringing Lukaku back to Everton, there’s no doubt that a player of his quality would enhance the Toffees’ frontline – provided he performs.

His last spell in the Premier League ended sourly, with goals drying up at Chelsea amid an apparent falling-out with Thomas Tuchel.

But the last few years have seen Lukaku rekindle his very best form, reaching double figures in each of the last three Serie A campaigns – having a hand in 24 goals as Napoli snatched back the title in 2024/25.

This year’s race is looking like another tight one, and with the champions trailing leaders Inter by six points, you can see why Conte would be keen to call upon Lukaku once he is able to.

Though the fact Everton are even able to dream of a Lukaku return could hint that there is no smoke without fire, even if there are varying degrees of enthusiasm depending on who you believe.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.