Everton keen on Malaga hotshot

Everton are interested in signing Sandro Ramirez

Everton are interested in signing Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez, according to Sky sources.

And they are now favourites to win the 21-year old’s signature after Atletico Madrid failed to overturn their transfer ban.

Sandro, who came through the famous Barcelona academy, impressed in his first season with Malaga, scoring 14 goals in La Liga and two in the Copa del Rey.

Sandro left Barcelona in 2016

It looked likely that he would move to Atletico this summer, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport have upheld their transfer ban, meaning they cannot register or play any new players until January.

With the Spanish giants out of the race, sources close to Everton are now hopeful of persuading Sandro to move to the Premier League. He would cost around £5m.

Ronald Koeman watched Malaga play Celta Vigo last month

Everton boss Ronald Koeman and the club’s director of football Steve Walsh watched Malaga play Celta Vigo last month.