Everton to compete with Premier League duo to sign Juventus star

New reports have suggested that Everton are set to compete with Coventry and Leeds United for the signature of Juventus star Lois Openda.

With Thierno Barry and Beto - the Toffees' current striker options - both failing to establish themselves as a Premier League level number nine, Everton are reportedly in the market for a striker this summer.

David Moyes' side had a strong start to last season, before ultimately tailing off at the end of the campaign and blowing a golden opportunity for European football.

With that in mind, the Scotsman is reportedly keen to add fire power to his side, with the Toffees set to compete with other Premier League clubs to secure the signing of Lois Openda.

Openda, 26, had previously been linked with a move to Premier League newcomers Coventry City, with numerous outlets crediting Frank Lampard's side with an interest in the Belgian striker.

Now, recent reports from Football Insider have suggested that Everton are set to make a move to secure the former RB Leipzig man's signature.

Openda only joined Juventus on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for around €42m last summer - with his move to be made permanent this summer - but he now already looks set for an immediate exit from Turin.

After impressing in both the Belgian Pro League - where he registered 48 goal contributions in 88 matches for Vitesse Arnhem - and the Bundesliga - where he notched 59 g/a in 93 matches across all competitions - much was expected of Openda in Italy.

Especially when you consider that his main two attributes were pace to burn and clinical finishing ability, Serie A seemed like a good fit for his profile.

However, just two goals from 34 Juventus appearances have seemingly meant that the hierarchy at the Old Lady have seen enough.

The Belgian has been heavily linked with a move to the English top flight on a couple of occasions now and a move to the Toffees would allow Openda to continue to play for a big, historic club, while Everton - under the Friedkin Group - will likely be in a position to offer competitive wages.

Given that Juventus are set to sign Openda for a large fee this summer, any move is likely to set a buying club back significant investment, meaning a move for the Belgian will not be straight-forward.