David Moyes ally reveals what it's taken for Everton to agree Folarin Balogun deal
Everton have been working behind the scenes to sign Monaco striker Folarin Balogun since the end of the World Cup.
The 25-year-old has impressed scouts with his performances for Monaco and for the USA, and it quickly became clear that he could be available to move to the Premier League.
Everton have been long-term admirers of the forward since his time at Arsenal, and originally missed out on a deal when they were beaten to the punch by Monaco in 2023.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are now "confident" of signing Balogun with David Moyes having been determined to land a striker.
The Toffees have now agreed a deal worth a total of £42.8million, including add-ons, for the USA star who will undergo a medical at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday.
Balogun enjoyed a strong season for Monaco last time out as he scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, and is ready to return to English football.
Why are Everton signing Folarin Balogun?
Football Insider revealed back in June that Everton have been placed on alert over Balogun, with Monaco prepared to accept offers for his services in the summer window.
While it may have taken longer than many had hoped, Everton will be happy to get a deal over the line, with the addition of a new striker having been a priority.
Balogun has been a long-term target at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and represents an upgrade on the current options available to Moyes.
"Folarin Balogun is certainly somebody Everton have been keen on for a while," Brown, a long-time Moyes ally, told Football Insider.
"It's a deal they've been working on for months, in terms of keeping track of his progress, assessing his pros and cons, figuring out where he might fit in the team, if he's the right man for the job.
"Then there have been talks with his agent and his club to assess what it might take to do a deal. All of this goes on in the background before we see offers and deals agreed.
"Balogun impressed at the World Cup, and he's impressed out in France with Monaco as well, so it's no surprise Premier League clubs have been keen.
"David Moyes has been targeting a new striker since the window opened as well, so it's a deal he has been keen to do.
"Everton feel he will be an improvement on their current options, which is the most important thing at this stage of the window, going into the new season."
Which deal has kickstarted Everton's pursuit of Balogun?
Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Balgoun in recent days after it became clear that Beto would be allowed to leave, with a move to Fiorentina on the cards.
Brown told Football Insider on 31 August that Moyes has given the green light for Beto to move on as they put plans in place to land his replacement.
Everton have ben open to cashing in on the Guinea-Bissau international since the window opened, and he is now close to finalising a move back to the Serie A.
The 28-year-old has dropped down the pecking order at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while the Toffees' pursuit of a new striker ultimately opened the door for his exit.
Beto has now undergone a medical at Fiorentina, with Moyes keen to let him go after a poor season last time out where he scored nine goals in 37 league appearances.