Everton agree £40m deal for US star striker Folarin Balogun from Monaco

Everton have agreed a £40m deal with Monaco for United States striker Folarin Balogun as they look to strengthen their attack before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

According to a report from the BBC, Balogun, 25, has been a key target for the Toffees after they pushed ahead with their interest despite also exploring a deal for former striker Richarlison.

The Brazilian had been involved in a proposed move from Tottenham, but personal terms could not be agreed with Everton, leaving the club to pursue Balogun instead.

Folarin Balogun set to join Everton for £40m

Balogun joined Monaco from boyhood club Arsenal in 2023 and has scored 31 goals in 91 appearances across all competitions for the Ligue 1 side.

He has also established himself as an important player for the USA, scoring 12 goals in 31 international appearances.

The striker was also at the centre of controversy during this summer's World Cup after being sent off for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32.

Despite being expected to serve an automatic suspension, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended his ban for a year, allowing Balogun to feature in the USA's last-16 defeat by Belgium.

UEFA described the decision as 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable'.

Balogun scored three goals during the tournament and will now be looking ahead to a new chapter in the Premier League.

Everton's move comes after their plans for Richarlison collapsed, while Iliman Ndiaye's proposed switch to Tottenham also fell through before Manchester City agreed a deal worth up to £65m.

With the deadline approaching, Everton have moved quickly for Balogun and the £40m agreement gives them the attacking addition they wanted.