Everton are eyeing a move for Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi before the January transfer window closes.
Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Everton News) reports that the Premier League side is targeting a late swoop for the Nottingham Forest striker.
The 27-year-old has had limited playing time with Forest this season, making 18 appearances but only two starts. Awoniyi is currently behind top scorer Chris Wood in the striker pecking order.
Although Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has expressed confidence in Awoniyi’s ability to regain form, the striker has still been linked with a move away from the City Ground.
“Everton are said to have their eye on Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi as the January transfer deadline nears.
“The Merseyside club are targeting a potential late swoop for the Forest frontman. The 27-year-old is said to be among a number of names on the Toffees’ shortlist as they seek attacking reinforcements, with a reported £33.5m cash pot to use on signing two players.”
Meanwhile, Awoniyi has played down suggestions he could leave Forest before the February 3 deadline.
“Transfers are part of football, and there will always be speculation, but my focus is entirely on Nottingham Forest,” Awoniyi was quoted by Nottingham Post.
“This is a team with a lot of potential and I want to be here to help achieve something special. I’m not thinking about leaving, I’m thinking about how I can contribute more to the success of this club.”
Earlier this month, Awoniyi ended a 324-day goal drought with a strike in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 win over Wolves.
The Nigerian forward is in his third season at the City Ground, having joined from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022.
Awoniyi made an immediate impact in his first Premier League season, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in 27 appearances, helping Forest avoid relegation. He also netted six goals and contributed three assists in 20 games last term.