Everton now expected to beat Champions League club to last-gasp signing - report

Everton are set to beat Benfica to the signing of Chelsea striker Tyrique George.

David Moyes has been frantically scouring the transfer market for a centre-forward addition this winter, to no little avail so far.

Everton‘s current centre-forward options are limited to Beto and Thierno Barry respectively, with the former of those two strongly linked with a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium this winter.

As such, the arrival of a striker could pave the way for Beto to leave Everton before Monday’s 7pm deadline, and after long last, Moyes may be about to get his transfer wish.

Everton to seal deadline-busting loan deal for Tyrique George

It was reported on Saturday that Everton have submitted a loan offer to Chelsea for George, which includes the option for the Toffees to make the deal a permanent one in the future.

George, a versatile forward who can play anywhere across the forward line but is a striker by trade, has made 13 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions so far this season.

Still only 19, the England youth international is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge, but looks set to be the victim of Chelsea’s ever-large squad, and now appears ready to seek more minutes away from the Blues.

However, having already made just shy of 40 first-team appearances for Chelsea, George’s signature is a highly-coveted one, with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica one side credited with a major interest in him this winter.

But, according to a report from Portuguese newspaper Record, George is now ‘expected’ to sign for Everton on loan, with Benfica to miss out on a deal for the teenager.

• Read more: David Moyes drops three-word update as Everton submit last-gasp loan-to-buy bid

Everton signing player with ‘immense potential’

George has already showcased just how much potential and promise lies in his boots, after scoring two goals and providing five assists in 24 appearances for Chelsea last season.

He’s already fired home four times and registered one assist in 13 total appearances this season, showcasing that he’s already more than capable of being a productive player right now.

So, it really does feel like as long as the deal goes through, George could be one of Everton’s best signings in many years, with the potential for him to lead the line for the Toffees for many years to come.

Speaking via BBC Sport in mid-January of this year, new Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior made a hugely exciting claim about George that will have Everton fans grinning from ear to ear.

“Tyrique is a player of immense potential who I’ve been aware of for a long time,” said Rosenior.

Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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