Everton lead Ayase Ueda race as star wants move - Keith Wyness
Everton are currently at the front of the queue to sign Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda this summer.
That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes his former club are still some distance away from meeting the frontman's valuation.
Ueda has been linked with moves to both Everton and Leeds in recent weeks, and also has Bundesliga interest after a season that saw him hit 25 goals in the Eredivisie.
Wyness believes that the lure of the Premier League will see the Japan international head there over the Bundesliga, and feels that Everton are in the driving seat.
David Moyes is working hard to bolster his attacking options ahead of 2026-27, with a new striker a top priority at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Ueda is currently away at the World Cup with Japan, and notched two goals and one assist across their three group stage fixtures.
Feyenoord want £35m for Ayase Ueda
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that his former club are still some way short of Feyenoord's valuation for Ueda at the moment.
The Dutch giants are understood to want £35million in order to sanction a sale this summer, a figure which would make Ueda an expensive signing for many sides.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness made it clear that Everton have a much stronger chance of sealing a deal than Leeds.
"Well, normally the Premier League does win over these sorts of things with wages and glamour appeal, and building the player's profile in his own country," he said.
"As I understand it, Feyenoord are looking at a £35m valuation, Everton are short of that at the moment. He certainly seems to be a talent. Unproven once again, though, in the Premier League.
"We've seen a number of strikers who have come over from the Eredivisie, being the next great thing and haven't quite done it in the Premier League.
"Everton are favourites right now ahead of Leeds from what I understand, but Leeds may go further to bridge that gap with Feyenoord's valuation, and if they do, then I think that's going to be the key as to where it goes.
"But I think the player, from what I'm hearing, would prefer Everton if possible. I'm not yet convinced that he is Premier League material, but listen, we'll wait and see, but that's where I think the deal stands as we speak today."
Everton make contract offer for Liam Delap
Football Insider revealed on Saturday that Everton have offered a contract to Chelsea striker Liam Delap in a bid to land him this summer.
The Merseysiders are working with intermediaries to try to agree personal terms with the 23-year-old, who is likely to be let go by Chelsea this summer.
Delap has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge since his move from Ipswich, and appears set to not figure in Xabi Alonso's plans for next term.
Moyes and Co. have already identified the former England U21 international as a clear target, and have now made contact with the Londoners over a deal.