Henry Onyekuru: Everton sign Nigeria striker and loan him to Anderlecht

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Henry Onyekuru (right) scored 22 goals in the Belgian top flight last term
  • Author, Phil McNulty
  • Role, Chief football writer

Everton have signed Nigeria striker Henry Onyekuru from KAS Eupen for 拢7m and sent him on loan to Anderlecht.

Onyekuru, 20, scored 22 goals for his Belgian top-flight club last season and has been linked with Arsenal, West Ham and clubs throughout Europe.

He is viewed as a prospect for the future by manager Ronald Koeman and signs a five-year contract.

Earlier on Friday, Barcelona took up a clause to buy winger Gerard Deulofeu back from Everton for 拢10.6m.

The Spaniard becomes the second major exit from Goodison Park this summer, following midfielder Tom Cleverly's loan switch to Watford.

But Onyekuru's move adds to a busy period of arrivals at the club, following the acquisitions of Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for 拢30m and Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen for 拢23.6m.

Koeman is also close to finalising a 拢25m deal for England defender Michael Keane from Premier League rivals Burnley.

The Toffees are also considering making offers for Burnley striker Andre Gray and Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, while another striker - Malaga's Sandro Ramirez - is expected to sign next week having conducted a medical and agreed personal terms.

Onyekuru was the joint-top scorer in Belgium's top-flight last season and hit 30 goals in 60 matches for the club during his two-year stay. He will stay in the country for 2017-18 with Anderlecht.

That form saw him make his international debut in Nigeria's 3-0 win over Togo earlier this month.

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