Everton have held talks with Stade Reims over a summer move for winger Keito Nakamura, with initial discussions already under way, according to Nicolò Schira.
The Japan international impressed at the World Cup, scoring against the Netherlands and setting up a goal in the win over Tunisia, form that has put him on the radar of several Premier League clubs. Bournemouth and Fulham are also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.
Nakamura has an understanding with Reims that he can leave for around £21.5m this summer, after the club failed to win an immediate return to Ligue 1. He was the club’s top scorer last season with 14 goals from the left flank.
The move fits a wider picture on Merseyside. Dwight McNeil has been linked with a departure, with West Ham showing interest, while Everton are yet to decide on Jack Grealish’s future after his loan spell at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Both situations could leave David Moyes short of wide options heading into next season.
Talks over Nakamura are at an early stage, and there is no indication yet of how quickly a move might progress, but it is definitely one to watch and one that, if it comes off, would give Evertonians something to get excited about.
