Everton ‘trying’ to sign striker who turned down Manchester United transfer

Everton are interested in Marko Arnautovic, reports suggest.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Toffees are keen on signing the striker from Bologna.

Frank Lampard wants to bolster his forward options during the January transfer window in a bid to steer Everton clear of Premier League relegation. However, despite the window being open for more than two weeks, a fresh face is still to arrive at Goodison Park.

A host of attacking players have been linked - with Arnautovic the latest. The Austria international has Premier League experience, having previously represented Stoke City and West Ham United in his career.

Arnautovic has scored 23 goals in 50 appearances for Bologna in the past one-and-a-half seasons. Eight of those efforts have arrived in 16 matches this campaign.

Now Everton are said to be keen in the 33-year-old’s services. Tuttomercatoweb reporter Marco Coneterio claims that Atalanta have rebuffed a loan approach for Duvan Zapata, while Udinese rejected a proposal for Beto - so the Blues’ attention has turned to another Serie A centre-forward.

Coneterio wrote on Twitter: “#Everton looks for a 9 for Frank Lampard. Contacts in progress for Marko Arnautovic of #Bologna.

“Atalanta has rejected the loan offer for Duvan Zapata and Udinese has said no to the offer for Beto. So #EFC is trying to catch Arnautovic.”

Arnautovic was linked with Manchester United last summer. Arnautovic’s agent, Tiziano Pasquali, claimed that the marksman turned down a move to Old Trafford.

Pasquali said: “Yes, Juventus and Manchester United had come forward.

“From the English, we had received a written proposal. And the negotiations had continued even after some contrary opinions from their fans.

“But in the end, it was Marko who chose not to drag it out too long and to stay at Bologna. How can you think that he is now in a bad way?

“Arnautovic is happy here: city, fans, team, society. And coach. He only thinks of working in the best possible way.”