Everton make bid for Monaco striker Balogun

Everton has agreed a £40 million deal to sign Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. The 25-year-old is one of the club's main targets ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline. Though Brazil forward Richarlison, 29, and Tottenham's Richarlison are also on Everton's list, the latter reportedly has reservations about returning to the club he left for Tottenham in 2022.

Balogun, who scored 31 goals in 91 matches for Ligue 1 side Monaco, has also netted 12 times in 31 caps for the USA. Everton had previously agreed for Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye, 26, to join them, while Richarlison and Ndiaye are moving in opposite directions. However, Richarlison allegedly failed to agree personal terms with Everton, who had offered £35 million for him.

Manchester City subsequently agreed a deal worth up to £65 million for Ndiaye. Balogun was at the center of controversy during the recent World Cup after he was dismissed for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 match. Despite being expected an automatic suspension, Fifa's disciplinary committee suspended his ban for a year, prompting widespread condemnation.