'Trying to...' - talkSPORT reporter shares Everton latest involving 136-goal PL predator

Everton are ready to ‘step up the interest’ in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. 

Signed for £33m from Marseille back in 2016, the Belgium international has become a perennial loanee during his time at Chelsea, making just 77 appearances in six years at the west London club.

In that time, the 28-year-old has enjoyed spells at Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, Besiktas and Crystal Palace, taking his overall senior club goal tally to 136 in the process.

Having been linked with Everton earlier in the window, a well-informed onlooker has now suggested that the Toffees could be ready to make their intentions known for Batshuayi…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook – a transfer specialist for talkSPORT – has suggested that Everton are ‘trying to’ advance their interest in the 45-cap striker.

He said: “Batshuayi has been mentioned to me with Everton as well. So, I wonder if the fact it’s gone quiet at Wolves maybe means that Frank Lampard is trying to step up the interest there.”

Signing a player with Batshuayi’s proven goalscoring ability would be a superb acquisition for Frank Lampard, especially in light of the pair’s ‘really close relationship’, having worked together at Stamford Bridge previously.

Linked elsewhere to Valencia hitman Maxi Gomez, it now seems inevitable that Kevin Thelwell and co will attempt to add a genuine centre-forward at Goodison Park before the transfer deadline passes.

Last season, the powerful Belgian scored 14 times and provided five assists in 33 Turkish Super Lig outings whilst on loan at Besiktas, proof of a sharp eye for goal which would be of huge benefit to the Toffees’ attacking options.

Holding an estimated market value of £9m and into the final 12 months of