According to Ecuagol, Everton are interested in Felipe Caicedo and could battle West Ham United for the 31-year-old’s signature. Caicedo joined SS Lazio from Espanyol in 2017 and has gone on to make 100 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 37 goals.
This season, the Ecuadorian international has contributed 12 goals in 21 Serie A games and is enjoying a rich vein of form in recent months (seven goals and assists in 2020) after a slow start (one goal in August, September and October).
If Everton hope to bring Caicedo to Goodison Park, they may have to pay more than €7m (£6.12m) and at least match his €1.7m-a-year (£1.49m) wages, as his value would have risen after this season. Why the Toffees would target another striker remains to be seen, however.
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Carlo Ancelotti currently has Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Moise Kean at his disposal while Marcel Brands has been looking to lower the average age of the squad rather than raise it. Caicedo’s arrival would go against recent club policy.
The 31-year-old would be a cheap option in attack which may be why Everton are reportedly interested, but it’s hard to see Lazio letting their prolific centre-forward leave when he still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
West Ham’s interest may also prove a stumbling block in negotiations as they have a more fervent need to strengthen their attack than Everton and may be willing to spend more money over the summer to get him.
Caicedo turns 32 in September, so is it really worth Everton signing a player that may have already peaked?