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Everton 'step up interest in El Bilal Toure'

By Ben Sully | 30 May 2023

Everton reportedly step up their interest in Almeria striker El Bilal Toure as they look to strengthen their forward line this summer.

Everton are reportedly set to step up their interest in Almeria striker El Bilal Toure.

The Toffees managed to secure their Premier League survival with a narrow 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Sunday thanks to a second-half strike from Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Despite beating the drop, Everton will want to learn the lessons from a disappointing campaign, as they begin to turn their attention to the summer transfer window.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were the only Premier League side to score fewer goals (31) than Everton (34) during the 2022-23 season.

Everton's first-choice striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, struggled with injuries throughout the season and scored just two goals in 17 appearances.

Everton manager Sean Dyche pictured on April 27, 2023 © Reuters

Neal Maupay could only muster one goal in 29 appearances after completing a transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer

After returning from a loan spell with Sunderland, Ellis Simms was also utilised in the second half of the campaign, registering just one goal in 11 matches.

Due to their evident issues in the final third, the Toffees will be desperate to sign a new striker over the summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton are prepared to step up their pursuit of Toure after identifying the Almeria forward as a potential target.

Almeria's El Bilal Toure celebrates scoring their first goal with Adrian Embarba and Sergio Akieme on January 15, 2023 © Reuters

The report suggests that Toure, who joined Almeria last summer, would command an asking price in the region of £25m.

Since joining the La Liga club, the 21-year-old has gone on to score six goals and provide two assists in 20 league appearances.

After spending over two months on the sidelines with a thigh injury, Toure made his return as a late substitute in Sunday's goalless draw against relegation rivals Real Valladolid.

Toure may have a role to play this weekend when Almeria attempt to secure their La Liga safety against Espanyol on the final day of the season.