Everton may have been handed an opportunity to step into the race for Watford’s Nestory Irankunda, with a move to Sporting Club de Portugal stalling.

Record report on the 20-year-old Watford winger today. The newspaper reports that Irankunda has returned to England while his future remains undecided.

Sporting efforts

The Portuguese newspaper reports that Nestory Irankunda is currently Sporting’s target to bolster their attack this summer.

The winger is the subject of ongoing talks between Sporting’s board, led by Frederico Varandas, and Watford. Irankunda already has an agreement in place with the Lions for a five-year deal with a release clause for €80m.

He is now awaiting the next stages. Sporting are trying to accelerate negotiations after putting a initial €15m plus €5m package on the table for Watford. The €5m is based on performance-related add-ons.

But the deal is yet to be finalised. Sporting had wanted it done quickly so they could present the Watford man as a surprise to fans in time for the Cinco Violinos Trophy but that is now looking unlikely. The deal would have to be finalised very quickly for that to happen.

Everton interest

Thera are other interested parties. Everton, Hull and Deportivo are ‘also in the running’ for the winger. So, Everton have an opportunity to step in and overtake the deal should they wish to do so.

The feeling in Portugal at this moment in time is that Sporting’s deal is not progressing as quickly as they may like it to. That’s despite Sport Witness covering reports that negotiations were in the final stages.

For now, the winger has returned to England for pre-season training, watching and waiting to see how matters develop. He’s ready to make the move and has an agreement in place with the Portuguese side, but they are yet to push their negotiations with Watford over the line.