Frank Lampard’s Everton have approached Chelsea about signing Armando Broja despite Thomas Tuchel’s pre-season stance, according to reports.
The 20-year-old striker had some fantastic performances in an impressive debut year in the Premier League on loan at Southampton last season.
He netted six times in the league and because of his displays there are now a lot of clubs interested in acquiring his signature in the summer transfer window.
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Previous reports suggested that West Ham United were leading the way for the Albanian, but they face competition from Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United who are also keeping tabs.
Southampton are also interested in getting the man they had on loan last season back at St Mary’s.
Chelsea have been claimed to be willing to listen to offers, but they value the striker at £30 million so a club would have to match that. However, they want time to make a decision on his future.
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The latest reports from Sky Sports state that Everton have now joined the race for the attacker.
Following the loss of Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £60 million, the Toffees are eyeing up a replacement and Broja is an option.
The question remains though as to whether Chelsea would want to get rid of another striker.
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They have already lost the services of Romelu Lukaku this summer to Inter Milan, with the Belgian completing a loan move back to the side he left just a year ago.
Should the Blues lose Broja as well, it would leave them with just Kai Havertz and Michy Batshuayi as first-team forwards.
According to reports, Tuchel has already made a decision on what he wants to do with the forward.
He does not want a permanent sale to go through until he has had a chance to watch Broja in pre-season and assess whether he would be a good fit for next season.
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Tuchel has highlighted his praise for the striker before.
While he was on loan at Southampton, the Chelsea head coach admitted: “We have a reason as to why they are our players, they have quality, mentality.
“They are now out there on their own in different environments, different clubs and proving themselves.
"Armando is getting better and better.”
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There is a space in the squad for Broja, and with Tuchel ready to give all of the returning loanees a chance in pre-season, it’s now on him to impress to stake a claim.It has been claimed that Broja wants to be playing first-team football, and while he may not be a guaranteed starter at Stamford Bridge, he could definitely involve himself in the fight for the place.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Everton, Premier League, Chelsea, Armando Broja
