Everton Targeting Christian Atsu

Everton are set to launch a summer bid for Porto forward Christian Atsu, according to talkSPORT.

Highly regarded as one of the brightest African prospects, 21-year-old Atsu, who scored for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, is reported to be available for around �10 million after discussions over a new contract at current club Porto stalled.

With the ability to glide past players like they�re not there as well as having a deft touch and an abundance of flare and technical skill, the versatile forward has already been labelled �the Ghanaian Messi� from a host of Black Stars� fans as he exploded on to the international scene in September of last year.

Upon hearing his name being mentioned in the same sentence as the Argentine, widely considered the best player in the world, Atsu turned down any suggestions that he is the new Messi. Back in September, he told BBC Sport:

�Messi is my idol. There�s no Ghanaian Messi, there is no other Messi in this world.

�I can never play even one percent of what Messi is doing. It�s impossible.�

Atsu spent last season out on loan to Portuguese side Rio Ave and after more than impressing there, returned to Porto this campaign where he has made 12 appearances in helping to maintain his side�s unbeaten run, despite still being two points behind league-leaders Benfica.

Although highly-rated at Porto, reports suggest he will be available for transfer after failing to agree a new contract and with his current deal expiring in 2014, Everton manager David Moyes is ready to pounce.

Source: africasoccernet