Everton face Newcastle and Aston Villa competition for El Bilal Touré

Everton face growing competition for long-term target El Bilal Touré, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Fulham all reportedly joining the race for the Atalanta striker.

The Toffees have been linked with the Mali international for several years and were even involved in discussions over a possible swap deal in 2024.

Now the 24-year-old could finally move to the Premier League, but Everton are far from alone in pursuing him.

According to Africa Foot, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham are all "in the running" to sign Touré this summer.

The striker has spent the last two seasons away from Atalanta on loan, first with VfB Stuttgart and then Beşiktaş.

His latest spell in Turkey produced seven goals and five assists in 2,001 minutes across 26 appearances.

Beşiktaş had an option to make the move permanent but did not activate it, opening the door for Atalanta to find another solution this summer.

That has attracted interest from England, with four Premier League clubs now said to be considering a move.

Of the English clubs involved, Fulham are currently described as being in the strongest position.

The report does not explain what the London club have done to move ahead of their rivals, but they are looking to strengthen their attack while working towards the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as Marco Silva's successor.

Everton's interest, meanwhile, stretches back much further.

The Toffees have been mentioned as a possible destination for Touré for around four years. In August 2024, Atalanta even considered offering the forward to Everton as part of a deal involving Beto.

That swap never materialised, but David Moyes' side have now returned to the picture.

The problem for Everton is that the competition has become significantly stronger.

Newcastle and Aston Villa are also credited with interest as they consider attacking reinforcements.

Touré's age and experience across several European leagues could make him an attractive option. He has played in Serie A, the Bundesliga and Turkey, while also representing Mali at international level.

His ability to operate through the centre of the attack gives interested clubs another option in a difficult striker market.

For Everton, the latest developments mean a player they have followed for years could now become the subject of a genuine Premier League battle.

However, there is no indication yet that any of the four English clubs have submitted a formal offer.

Atalanta are reportedly demanding €18 million to sanction a permanent transfer.

Touré has two years remaining on his contract, giving the Italian club some negotiating strength despite the striker spending the last two seasons away on loan.

His current market valuation is around €13 million, having previously reached a career high of €20 million in October 2023.

The €18 million asking price therefore sits above his present valuation, and it remains unclear whether Everton or any of their Premier League rivals are willing to meet it.

At that figure, Touré would still represent a relatively affordable option compared with many strikers on the market this summer.

The Premier League clubs are not Touré's only options.

Fenerbahçe are also pushing for the striker and are reportedly making progress in negotiations to keep him in Turkey.

That adds another complication for Everton, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Fulham.

Touré's own preference remains unclear. There is no indication whether he favours a move to England or would prefer to continue in Turkey after his season with Beşiktaş.

That decision could become crucial if several clubs are prepared to meet Atalanta's demands.

Everton must decide whether to finally make a concrete move for a player they have followed for several years.

Fulham are currently reported to be leading the Premier League interest, while Newcastle and Aston Villa have added further competition. Fenerbahçe's negotiations could also accelerate the situation.

With Atalanta asking for €18 million and Touré entering the final two years of his contract, the conditions for a transfer are becoming clearer. The next step is for one of the interested clubs to turn long-standing interest into a formal offer.

Should Everton finally make their move for El Bilal Touré, or would €18 million be better spent on another striker?