Everton’s Mauro Icardi transfer hopes face €5m obstacle as striker demands emerge

Former Everton transfer target Mauro Icardi reportedly requested €5million during an approach from Valencia, with the Spanish club deciding against pursuing a deal for the free-agent striker.

The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving Galatasaray at the end of June and has attracted interest from several European teams.

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Valencia explored the possibility of signing Icardi but were discouraged by his financial expectations.

Everton were previously offered the Argentina international, although there is no evidence that they received the same demand or rejected a move because of his wages.

TyC Sports reports that an approach was made to establish whether Icardi would consider joining Valencia.

According to an account cited by the publication, the former Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker requested €5m, effectively ending the possibility of a deal.

The report does not clearly establish whether the figure represents annual wages, a signing-on payment or another financial requirement.

Real Betis have also been linked with Icardi as they consider additional attacking options following an injury to Cucho Hernández.

TyC Sports, citing Spanish reporting, suggests Manuel Pellegrini's side are assessing the striker's availability, although no agreement or formal offer has been confirmed.

Everton were offered the opportunity to sign Icardi after the summer transfer window closed.

In September, Sport Witness cited Argentine journalist Germán García Grova as reporting that the striker had been offered to the Merseyside club.

Subsequent reporting suggested Everton had not progressed the opportunity, despite their need for another centre-forward.

The Toffees were left short of attacking options after Folarin Balogun's proposed move from Monaco collapsed late in the summer window.

That left Thierno Barry as their only recognised senior centre-forward, increasing the importance of finding additional cover.

However, there is no confirmation that Everton received a €5m financial demand from Icardi or that his wages were the reason a transfer failed to materialise.

Sport Witness previously reported that Icardi's representative, Letterio Pino, wanted to find a suitable sporting project offering stability over two or three seasons.

Everton have also been mentioned among the clubs monitoring Club Brugge forward Nicolò Tresoldi.

Sport Witness reported this week, citing Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, that Everton were among several European clubs expected to send scouts to watch the 22-year-old in Champions League action.

The interest remains at the scouting stage, with no confirmed Everton offer for the striker.

There is also no evidence that the club have identified Tresoldi as a direct alternative to Icardi.

Icardi remains available as a free agent, with Real Betis among the clubs reportedly assessing a possible move.

Everton could consider additional attacking reinforcements in January, although no renewed approach for Icardi has been confirmed.

The striker's next destination will depend on whether an interested club can agree suitable sporting and financial terms.