Everton are reportedly eyeing up a potential summer move for striker Chuba Akpom, should Middlesbrough fail to be promoted from the Championship.

The Lowdown: January interest

It was reported that Everton held an interest in signing Akpom in the January transfer window, but a move never materialised in the end.

His current deal at the Riverside Stadium expires in the summer, but Boro have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The Latest: Summer move?

As per talkSPORT, the Goodison Park outfit are still interested in a summer move for Akpom, but so are half a dozen clubs in the Premier League.

Leeds United and Crystal Palace are also mentioned as potential suitors for the striker, who has only been outscored by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in England's top four divisions so far this season.

The Verdict: Get it done

The Merseyside club are in desperate need of a goalscorer for next campaign, having scored the joint-fewest goals in the top flight, and Akpom would be perfect as a signing in that regard.

Lauded as a ‘fantastic‘ player by former Boro caretaker manager Leo Percovich, he has scored no fewer than just missed out on the Championship Player of the Month award for February.

Of course, the Premier League is a big step up, but the Englishman would surely relish the opportunity to prove himself at a higher level, should he make the move to the Toffees, or indeed win promotion with Middlesbrough.