Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Perr Schuurs to West Ham United, El Bilal Toure to Everton, Nico Gonzalez to Aston Villa

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 July 2023

Transfer rumours: Schuurs to West Ham, Toure to Everton, Gonzalez to Villa

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including Perr Schuurs to West Ham United, El Bilal Toure to Everton and Nico Gonzalez to Aston Villa.

West Ham United have reportedly joined the race for Torino centre-back Perr Schuurs.

There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Dutchman's future, and he recently revealed that "offers" have been made for his signature.

Liverpool and Crystal Palace are among a number of clubs to be credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, who has only been with Torino since last August.

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham are also in the hunt for the defender, viewing him as the ideal signing during this summer's transfer window.

The Hammers are allegedly yet to make an official approach but are showing a strong interest in a player who is thought to be valued in the region of €40m (£34.2m) by his Italian club.

Almeria's El Bilal Toure celebrates scoring their first goal on February 26, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to The Mirror, Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Almeria forward El Bilal Toure by making a £25m offer for his services.

The Toffees are believed to have identified the Mali international as their leading target in the final third of the field during this summer's transfer window.

Toure found the back of the net on seven occasions in 21 appearances for Almeria last season, and his performance levels are likely to earn him a lucrative move.

The report claims that Everton have made a £25m offer for the forward, but Almeria are believed to be looking for at least £34m due to the growing interest in his services.

The 21-year-old started his professional career with French outfit Reims before moving to Spain.

Barcelona's Nico Gonzalez pictured on October 2, 2021 © Reuters

Staying with the Premier League, Aston Villa have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez on loan during the summer window.

The 21-year-old is back at Camp Nou this summer following a loan spell at Valencia, featuring on 26 occasions for Los Che during the 2022-23 campaign.

Gonzalez is not expected to be in the plans of Barcelona head coach Xavi for next season, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Villa have been contacted by the midfielder's agent Jorge Mendes over a potential loan deal for next season.

Gonzalez came through the youth system at Barcelona, and he made 37 first-team appearances for the Catalan outfit during the 2021-22 campaign.

Aston Villa's Lucas Digne receives medical attention after sustaining an injury on January 13, 2023 © Reuters

Villa, meanwhile, are believed to be willing to listen to offers for French defender Lucas Digne this summer.

The 29-year-old made the move to Villa Park from Everton in January 2022, and he has represented his current side on 47 occasions in all competitions, including 31 outings last term.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Digne is not in the long-term plans of Villa boss Unai Emery.

The report claims that the left-back is one of the top earners at Villa Park, which has contributed to the club's desire to move him on, and Napoli are thought to be among a long list of potential suitors.