Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted an Everton deal for Jack Harrison would be “great” – but should not be a “priority” for Sean Dyche’s side.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, urged the Toffees to blow “80%” of their summer budget on a striker.
Football Insider revealed last week (22 June) that Everton have set their sights on signing Leeds winger Harrison – who has a £16 million release clause in his contract at Elland Road.
The ex-Man City ace made 40 appearances last season, scoring six goals and grabbing 10 assists as the Whites were relegated to the Championship.
Everton only narrowly avoided the drop in the 2022-23 campaign and are not expected to have a bumper transfer kitty to improve their squad this summer.
Harrison, who has managed 32 goals in 206 appearances for Leeds, is out of contract in June 2028 after penning new terms earlier this year.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I really like him.
“Leeds were clever to make him sign a new deal and put that release clause in.
“The big thing for Everton is – I would go and get a striker. I can’t believe they’re looking at wingers first.
“Whatever money is available, whatever they spend, it’s got to be on a number nine.
“If that’s 80% of the budget, then so be it. They’ve got Gray, McNeil, Iwobi – players who can play on the wing.
“But they need a striker. If you go out and get one and there is money left, then Harrison is a great addition. It’s just not a priority.
“In the right team, Harrison could be very dangerous. But Everton have got to sort their striker situation out first.”
In other news, Everton reject £4million striker bid.