Everton have tabled a £17m offer to sign Lorient striker Dango Ouattara this January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements required

The Merseyside outfit find themselves in the drop zone after a disappointing first half of the campaign, with Frank Lampard in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this month should he want to survive relegation from the Premier League.

The Burkina Faso international still has 18 months remaining on his contract, but after several prolific displays in Ligue 1 this term, has caught the attention of Farhad Moshiri at Goodison Park.

The Latest: Ouattara bid submitted

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Everton have ‘drawn an offer’ of €20m (£17m) for Ouattara as claimed by ‘sources’ reportedly close to the Lorient board.

The Toffees have ‘tracked’ the 20-year-old, with negotiations between the two parties currently ‘ongoing’ with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of the window.

The Verdict: Instead of Moffi?

Terem Moffi is another Lorient forward Everton have been heavily linked with in recent weeks, but Ouattara seems to be the one that they are seriously wanting to pursue and wrap up a deal for.

The winger has so far recorded five goals and the same number of assists in 16 appearances this season and is currently averaging 2.9 shots per league game.

Ouattara has been dubbed ‘one of the biggest revelations in Europe’ by Jacek Kulig, and he would surely answer some of the club’s attacking prayers should he complete a transfer to the top-flight in the weeks ahead.