Everton Reportedly Interested in Parma's Jonathan Biabiany

Some of the latest transfer rumors have Everton linked to Parma winger Jonathan Biabiany.  The 26-year-old would come at a reported cost of £6 million. This news should not come as a surprise as Everton will likely need to add a competent winger to aid the newly-signed Romelu Lukaku up front. The main headlines over the past few days have has the Blues agreeing to terms with Christian Atsu and simply waiting to finish a deal with his parent club, Chelsea. However, if talks break down the club needs to be ready with a backup. There is nothing wrong with having such contingency plans in place considering that the season will start in the next few days.

Biabiany has spent his entire professional career in Italy with stints at Internazionale, Chievo (on loan with no senior squad appearances), Modena (on loan), Sampdoria and Parma. He is regarded as a quick player who specializes in crossing and ball control. Last season he has 36 appearances where he scored six goals and added five assists. It is also notable that he did not log one single booking all season.

Everton are not alone in their pursuit of the player. Southampton - who should be flush with cash after their summer fire sale of six first team players - is also supposedly interested in Biabiany's services. West Brom were also interested at one point but have pulled out of contention after their bid of approximately £5 million was turned down by Parma. Though the fee offered by Everton will be larger, Parma supposedly will not budge from an asking price of £8 million.

If the Atsu deal were to not go through or even if it did; this signing would make sense for the Toffees as long as Biabiany could be had at the right price. With a long campaign which includes Europa League action ahead, the club would do well to bolster their attacking options and fill the void left by Gerard Deulofeu's loan spell ending. The cost will be key though as the club have already spent a record amount on Romelu Lukaku along with the other permanent arrivals of Gareth Barry and Mohamed Besic. Stay tuned to RBM as the rumors should only continue to swirl with the transfer window being open for another couple of weeks.