Report: Everton to sign Lacina Traore

Everton are close to signing AS Monaco player Lacina Traore on loan, according to a report.

The striker only joined the French club this month for around £8m from Anzhi Makhachkala, but is being sent out on loan to gain experience.

He had been expected to join West Ham United, with manager Sam Allardyce saying that they were "reasonably close" to an agreement.

However, The Express claims that Traore has chosen the Toffees as he does not want to join a club fighting relegation, as West Ham are.

On Friday, Everton manager Roberto Martinez insisted that the club will be taking their time before committing to a transfer.