Everton are reportedly poised to sign promising Norway attacker Rafik Zekhnini in January, according to claims made in the Norwegian press.
The Toffees are believed to be close to securing the signature of the highly-rated Odds BK forward after comments from the club's CEO, Einar Handlykken, revealed that Zekhnini was not present at an end of season function after he had flown to England to hold discussions with a "top European club".
He told news publication Varden: "Rafik is not here today because he has been given permission to travel and meet a club that have shown interest in him.
Blues set to sign Odd forward - Everton are rumoured to be set to bring in Odd forward Rafik Zekhnini in the Ja... https://t.co/IQuJ9CcFgQ
"I will not comment on this other than that it is a European top club. We have received bids on him, but can not say anything about which club this is. Our season is over, so it is no surprise to see bids come in for him."
Primarily a left winger who is also accomplished at playing in behind the main striker, Zekhnini has been in fine form for Odd during the past 12 months. The hot prospect bagged five goals and six assists in 27 appearances as he helped his side finished third in the Norwegian Tippeligean table.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has consistently stated that he will look to strengthen his options in the forward line after the bulk of the Blues' goalscoring chances have rested on two stars this season. Yannick Bolasie has laid on four goals for marksman Romelu Lukaku, while the Belgian striker has bagged seven of Everton's 15 league goals so far this term - a statistic that has led to Koeman to urge his other attacking options to weigh in with more goals and assists.
You can get an idea of what kind of player Rafik Zekhnini is in this video. https://t.co/hD3oZrdYbG
However, the Dutchman is rumoured to have been less-than-impressed with the contributions of Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu in the wide areas, Aaron Lennon has hardly been utilised by the 53-year-old and Ross Barkley has struggled to maintain a consistent run of form throughout the campaign.
If Everton land Zekhnini, it will be seen as a major coup for the seventh-placed Premier League side, particularly in light if other English top flights sides such as Manchester United having been linked to the teenager in the past 18 months.
A product of the Odd youth academy, Zekhnini has featured 43 times in all competitions since the Norway Under-21 international made his debut in April 2014's 13-0 demolition of Skotfoss in the NM Cup.
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