Everton are currently in a race for the £6m-rated Hertha Berlin hitman Pierre Lasogga. The other English clubs involved are previously linked Newcastle and newcomers West Ham.

However, Germans Bayer Leverkusen are currently in pole position to land the 6ft 3in striker.

And Starsport have reported Leverkusen’s weekly salary offer in the region of £55,000 will have to be topped to turn Lasogga’s head, which may deter Everton’s efforts with attempts to continue a decreasing wage bill.