Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Ludovic Ajorque this summer. On Saturday, however, Everton sent scouts to watch the uncompromising striker in action, Football Insider claims.
The talisman played as Strasbourg slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Monaco in Ligue 1. Ajorque is a man in demand this summer, with Leicester and Brentford also keen.
The big striker found the net 12 times last season and he also registered eight assists. During 2020/21 he found the net 16 times and his form really caught the eye.
Everton being linked with a player that Forest want doesn’t come as a surprise. The Reds have seemingly been alongside the Toffees in the race to sign several players this summer.
Amadou Onana is set to sign for Everton. Forest were also linked with him earlier this summer, whilst Morgan Gibbs-White was also the subject of a bid from Everton.
Now, it would appear that Everton will step up their efforts to sign Ajorque. The Blues are hoping to add another player or two to their ranks and a striker will be required.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now injured. He will be out of action for around six weeks and as a result, Frank Lampard is in desperate need of a new striker before the window closes.
It’s been claimed recently that Ajorque could cost up to £18 million. Forest have already spent £17 million on Taiwo Awoniyi this summer and perhaps Ajorque is more likely to join Everton.
Scouts sent by Everton to watch Ajorque
It’s quite remarkable really that Forest and Everton have been linked with so many of the same transfer targets.
The two clubs appear to be eyeing lots of the same business and it will be interesting to see who gets what before the window closes.
Forest will perhaps stay out of the race for Ajorque. They’ve been eyeing Keinan Davis and given that he’ll likely cost the same, they may prefer that deal instead.
Ajorque does look like a similar option though and perhaps Forest will move later in the window if their top targets don’t come to fruition.