Everton targets £33m Awoniyi

English Premier League side, Everton are plotting a move for Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi before the close of the January transfer window.

According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via Everton News), the Merseyside club are targeting a potential late swoop for the Nottingham Forest striker.

The 27-year-old forward has struggled for minutes with Forest in the English Premier League season, making 18 appearances with just two starts.

Awoniyi has struggled for regular minutes for the Reds so far this season as he is behind top scorer Chris Wood in the pecking order.

Forest coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has backed the Nigerian to rediscover his form but that has not stopped the striker from being 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, the striker ended a 324-day goal drought for the club in their 3-0 win over Wolves.

Awoniyi is in his third season at the City Ground having joined them from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022/23.

He lit up the EPL with 10 goals and one assist in 27 games, saving Forest from relegation in his first season and also managed six goals and three assists in 20 games last term.