Everton are leading the race to sign Lazio's Joaquin Correa, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport. 

The lowdown

26-year-old Correa is predominantly a second striker but has also led the line and played on both flanks over the course of his career (via Transfermarkt).

He's been directly involved in 48 goals (scoring 30 and assisting 18) in 117 appearances for Lazio.

Former Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi described Correa as a 'formidable' player who's 'very intelligent tactically'.

The latest

The report says that, of Correa's suitors, 'Everton are the most forward', but no 'formalised suitable offers' have been made as yet.

Under FIGC rules, Lazio need to raise between €25million and €30million if they want to register four new signings - Elseid Hysaj, Felipe Anderson, Dimitrije Kamenović and Luka Romero - and complete a fifth in the form of Bordeaux's Toma Basic.

And, as it happens, Maurizio Sarri's side value Correa at €30million (£25.6million).

Correa and his team-mates are headed to Germany for a pre-season 'retreat', but the player is said to be determined to leave the Stadio Olimpico this summer.

The verdict

It certainly looks like there's a deal to be done here, and Correa would bring a great deal to Everton. If Rafael Benitez sticks with his preferred 4-2-3-1, the Argentine could theoretically be deployed in any of the four attacking positions.

You could argue that Everton would be better served bringing in an out-and-out no. 9 as back-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the departure of Josh King, but Correa did out-perform his expected goals last season, suggesting he's a reliable finisher if needed as a centre-forward.

If the Blues can successfully offload Moise Kean, then perhaps we could see them meet Lazio's demands and bring in Correa as a replacement.

In other news, Everton fans were left fuming as these comments emerged.