According to reports in The Express, Everton are targeting Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy as their number one target if Romelu Lukaku leaves the club this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the future of the Toffees’ top goalscorer this season is in doubt after he has so far refused to sign the new long-term he contract he has been offered, and even though the Merseyside outfit are demanding a £100m fee to prise him away this summer there will still be a few worries that the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United could pay it.
If the Belgium international does leave, then Ronald Koeman will need to find a decent replacement and quickly – especially with few other attacking options available to him – and he could make a move for Vardy.
Would he be a good signing for Everton?
If the England international can recapture the form that saw him help Leicester to an incredible Premier League title triumph last year, then he certainly would be.
Having netted 24 goals in 36 appearances the 30-year-old showed how good he can be at this level, and his total of 13 top flight goals this season wasn’t too bad considering the Foxes spent much of the campaign at the wrong end of the table.
Could he replace Lukaku’s goals?
While he has shown he be prolific and get goals at this level, he would have to step up his game a little more if he is to match Lukaku’s form at Goodison Park.
The Belgian has netted 68 goals in 141 Premier League appearances since joining the Merseyside outfit on loan in 2013, and Koeman will know that he needs a top class replacement if Lukaku goes.
While Vardy has shown he can finish, it is hard to say whether he could do on such a consistent basis like the 24-year-old has in recent years.
Would Vardy want to move to Everton?
Having turned down a move to Arsenal last year, Vardy may be slightly regretful about that decision following a disappointing season for Leicester.
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However, while the chance to play European football with the Toffees could be a pull, the Three Lions striker may see the move as too much of a sideways move.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, while there is no doubt that Vardy is a good player, it would be difficult for him to efficiently replace Lukaku if the Belgian does leave for pastures new this summer.