We have been crying out for a prolific striker ever since Romelu Lukaku moved on, but the club may be about to finally address that issue.
That’s because Spanish publication El Desmarque understands that we are again showing an interest in triggering Espanyol striker Borja Iglesias’ release clause, which is said to be €28million (£24.2m).
In the current market, that is relatively low for a leading striker, but the La Liga outfit are prepared to let their forward leave – along with his attacking partners Raul de Tomas and Jaime Mata – after acquiring Lei Wu in the winter.
In fact, the current 13th-placed club already assume Iglesias will not be a part of their plans next season, and intend to buy Facundo Ferreyra as his immediate replacement.
Should we trigger his buy-out clause, it is also said that we would quadruple the Valencia product’s wage, although we face competition from his former side – Valencia will not match the salary we are willing to table.
But it has to be said, if we were to sign Iglesias, it would represent a step backwards for Marcel Brands, after he was quoted by the Liverpool Echo earlier this season suggesting we will not be in the market for a striker.
“I think we have a good squad and I am aware that the fans are asking if we can find a new striker who can score 20 goals,” Brands said. “I think we are a very, very lucky club in England that we have three players with great potential who are just 21-years-old.
“We have Dominic [Calvert-Lewin], we have Richarlison and we have Ademola [Lookman]. And if I bring in a new player, a huge striker or a name, should I destroy one of them? It is also my goal to protect those boys. Everyone agrees with me that they have great potential and a great future.”
Iglesias would also be backtracking on his previous comments to some extent, as Espanyol’s top goalscorer rejected the chance to move to Goodison Park over the winter.
So far this season, the 6 foot 1 striker has found the back of the net 11 times in 27 league games.