Everton Target Would Break Their Transfer Record
Real Sociedad's Willian José could cost The Toffees £52.6m.
HITC.com (via Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo) understand that Everton are weighing up an approach for 26-year old Brazilian striker Willian José da Silva and may be willing to shatter their own transfer record to get him.
According to HITC, Borussia Dortmund were also in the race to sign José until it became clear Real Sociedad wouldn't green light any transfer until clubs met his £52.6 million release clause. Dortmund pulled out, but Everton are reportedly still keen.
José netted 20 goals in 40 appearances for Sociedad last season, and his 13 league strikes helped them to a 12th place finish in La Liga. That kind of form is something incoming manager Marco Silva wants at Goodison Park in time for the new campaign.
Should Everton go all out to sign the Brazil international, he will become the most expensive signing in club history and break the £40 million (with £5 million add-ons) record set by Gylfi Sigurdsson's arrival from Swansea last summer.
Although it's always a risk to bring in fresh talent who haven't played in England before, this is exciting news for Everton's long-suffering supporters.