Everton in Talks Over January Signing of 'Priority Target' Goncalo Paciencia

Everton have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of a move for Portugal international Gonçalo Paciência in the January transfer window.

The Toffees are on the lookout for a new striker as Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Cenk Tosun and Moise Kean continue to struggle this season, with manager Marco Silva now desperately looking to add some more firepower to his side.

Everton's director of football Marcel Brands has been tasked with finding Silva a new centre-forward ahead of the January transfer window, and Goal reports that Eintracht's Paciência is at the top of their list of targets.

Paciência only moved to the Bundesliga from Porto in 2018 and spent most of last season on the fringes of Adi Hütter's squad, with Luka Jović, Sébastien Haller and Ante Rebić often stealing the headlines at the Commerzbank-Arena.

Frankfurt's three star strikers have now left the club, however, and Paciência has stepped up to become their best goalscorer this season.

Paciência's form has seen him called up to the Portuguese national team, and the 25-year-old scored his first senior goal for the Selecção das Quinas during their recent 6-0 win over Lithuania.

Lisbon-based outlet Record also has information on Everton's interest in Paciência, adding that the club have already begun talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a move.

The Bundesliga side have set a €20m price tag, which as things stand Everton aren't willing to match - the Toffees value Paciência closer to €15m - but the Portuguese striker is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League, especially under Silva.

Although a fee hasn't been agreed, Paciência's low wages at Eintracht Frankfurt could be key to convincing Everton to match the club's asking price.

The German club are unlikely to budge on their valuation as they've already made €100m this season by selling Jović to Real Madrid and Haller to West Ham, while their transfer guru Fredi Bobic will also need time to line up a potential replacement.

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