Everton and Crystal Palace are reportedly plotting late moves to sign ex-Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom on loan from Ajax before the winter transfer window slams shut.
According to The Mirror journalist Ryan Taylor, Ajax are bracing themselves for last-minute Premier League bids for Chuba Akpom, with Everton and Crystal Palace among the clubs rumoured to be interested in the striker.
Who is Chuba Akpom?
The 28-year-old English attacker rose through the ranks at Arsenal. But after appearing only 12 times for the senior team and failing to make a mark, it was in Greece and then the Championship that he finally demonstrated his poaching talents.
For PAOK, the now Akpom was a constant danger, swiftly becoming one of the Balkans’ top forwards, scoring 29 goals in 113 appearances. Last season, he finished as the Championship’s top scorer with 29 goals to his name with Middlesbrough. But he left Michael Carrick’s side behind with 34 goals in 82 appearances in favour of a £10 million move to Dutch giants Ajax.
However, things have not gone as planned for the striker in Amsterdam. He has made 20 appearances across all competitions for Ajax this season, but only five of those have come as a starter. Despite his lack of regular minutes, Akpom has still managed to contribute nine goals following a sluggish start to life in the Netherlands.
Set to Return to the Premier League?
Chuba Akpom could now be offered an escape route back into England, with Everton and Crystal Palace both exploring the possibility of a late loan move. It is understood that the 28-year-old would be open to joining a Premier League side on a temporary deal.
Crystal Palace and Everton are both desperate to bolster their attacking options before the winter transfer window slams shut as they aim to survive relegation this season.
Everton are presently just one point above the bottom three after suffering a contentious ten-point punishment for violating the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. The Toffees are appealing the judgement. But a second charge has now been imposed against them, which could potentially result in a second point deduction.
As for Crystal Palace, they are in a more comfortable position, six points above Everton in 14th place, but with Jean Philippe-Mateta potentially on his way out amid strong Real Betis interest, they could benefit from another body in attack.
Both clubs have struggled to score goals consistently this term. So, bringing in someone with a track record of finding the net could be a real boost for them. That said, it doesn’t look like it will be a straightforward chase in the dying embers, with it very much looking as though the ball will be in Ajax’s court regarding Akpom’s future.
