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Everton could be set to miss out on Graziano Pelle with the striker reportedly close to a move to China.
Ronald Koeman was believed to be keen on re-signing Pelle, who he worked with both at Southampton and Feyenoord.
Reports earlier this week claimed the Toffees had opened preliminary talks with Southampton over a deal to sign the Italian international, with a fee in the region of £16m mooted.
However, Press Association journalist Simon Peach claims Pelle is set to become the latest big money import in China.
#SaintsFC had been reluctant to offer a contract extension to Pelle, who it appears has been keen on a move to China since January
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 8, 2016
Shandong is said to be where Pelle is heading. Will mean around a £4m profit on striker with a year left on his deal & turning 31 next week
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 8, 2016
#SaintsFC had been reluctant to offer a contract extension to Pelle, who it appears has been keen on a move to China since January
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 8, 2016
Shandong Luneng Taishan are reportedly ready to offer £13million for the 30-year-old and offer the striker significant wages.
Chinese Super League sides have an almost unlimited budget as the government seek to grow the country into a footballing force.
Even with Farhad Moshiri’s riches behind them Everton would be reluctant to enter a bidding war for a player of Pelle’s age who will have minimal sell-on value.
It looks like Pelle is a name to scratch off Everton’s summer wanted list.