Everton striker Henry Onyekuru is a wanted man in Italy and Spain – without even kicking a ball for Ronald Koeman.
Euro giants Juventus and Atletico Madrid are both hot on the heels of the 20-year-old Nigerian who was immediately sent on a season-long loan to Anderlecht due to work permit issues following his £7million move to Goodison Park from Belgian side KAS Eupen last summer.
After his early season displays for Anderlecht, Onyekuru’s value has more than doubled to £15m with his six goals in nine games and fast attacking style making him a cult star at the Belgian club.
And that’s an embarrassment for Everton with Koeman struggling to deliver the goals once guaranteed by Romelu Lukaku before his £75m summer move to Manchester United. The African youngster enhanced his growing reputation by terrorising Paris Saint-Germain’s Dani Alves in the Champions League last week.
Although the Belgians were crushed 4-0 by PSG, Onyekuru hit the post and gave Alves a torrid time.
But it’s believed there is no break clause in Onyekuru’s deal with Anderlecht – meaning Everton can’t recall him in January.
An added complication for Everton is interest from both Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Onyekuru, recruited by Director of Football Steve Walsh, made his international debut for Nigeria earlier this year and is hotly tipped to make their World Cup squad for Russia.