Everton priced out of deal for N33.7b-rated Nigeria international

Everton were priced out of a deal for Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze before the summer transfer window closed for business.

Spanish media outlet Relevo which broke the news of the Toffees attempt to sign the Villarreal winger has reported that the Premier League side reignited their interest in the Nigerian in the days leading up to the close of the summer transfer window.

Per the report, Everton and Villarreal held negotiations for the signing of Chukwueze but no formal offer was received by the La Liga side.

With a release clause of 80 million euros (approximately N33.7 billion in Nigerian currency) embedded in his Villarreal contract, the proposal from Everton was deemed insufficient. 

Chukwueze was training on his own to avoid risking an injury before his proposed transfer to Goodison Park broke down.

Villarreal had already lined up a replacement for the 2015 U17 World Cup winner, with Real Madrid's Dominican Republic international Mariano Díaz their primary target, but pulled out of the transfer after Chukwueze's proposed move to Everton fell through.

Chukwueze, 23, has two years to run on his contract with Villarreal, whom he joined from Nigerian grassroots club Diamond Academy in 2017.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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