Everton’s pursuit of a Leicester wide man is gathering pace, with the Foxes’ relegation to League One accelerating a deal that has been on David Moyes’ radar since the spring.
Abdul Fatawu has been strongly linked with a move to the Hill Dickinson after another difficult campaign at the King Power, where Leicester’s second successive relegation leaves them needing to sell.
The Ghana international managed 16 goal involvements in the Championship this season, though his output dried up sharply in the closing weeks, with no goals or assists in his final five appearances.
Leicester had been holding out for close to the £30million release clause in Fatawu’s contract, but their financial position means that figure is no longer realistic.
According to Alan Nixon, the East Midlands club will now accept offers in the region of £20million — a valuation Everton will hope to work with as they push to get a deal done this summer.
Ipswich, Sunderland and Coventry City have also monitored Fatawu’s situation, while Aston Villa and Fulham were credited with interest earlier in the window.
Moyes’ need to freshen up his wide options give the Toffees a strong hand, though talks between the two clubs have not yet produced an agreement on terms.
With Tyler Dibling still finding his feet on the right flank, a Fatawu arrival would sharpen competition in that position rather than solve it.
Everton have been here before with Fatawu — talks over a move broke down last summer before he opted to stay and fight for promotion. This time, Leicester’s financial reality may leave them with little choice.
