According to reports from Italian outlet Il Messaggero, Everton have failed in their £26million pursuit for Keita Balde.

Everton have a huge double splash in the transfer market by securing the services of Jordan Pickford and Davy Klassen recently and the arrivals of the duo has certainly excited the fans at the blue half of Merseyside.

Despite spending well over £50million on the two players, Everton are far from done with their business in the transfer market and fans can now expect a host of other players to be arriving at Goodison Park in the upcoming weeks.

With the future of Romelu Lukaku in doubt, signing a new striker will be high on the agenda for manager Ronald Koeman and recent reports had claimed that the Dutchman has his sights set on signing Lazio attacker Keita Balde.

Balde enjoyed a stunning campaign last term, scoring 16 goals in 31 league appearances and due to his exploits, Koeman was said to have prioritized the signing of the 22-year-old this summer.

Now according to reports emerging out of Italian outlet Il Messaggero, Everton have already placed a bid of around £26million for Balde but the despite the huge offer, the move is unlikely to be taking place as the striker does not want to move to Goodison Park.

Although Lazio allegedly accepted the bid, Balde is believed to be holding out for a club that will be playing Champions League football next season and does not intend to join Everton despite the Toffees’ growing ambitions.