Kalajdzic report may hint Ancelotti’s not yet convinced by Everton signing

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Everton appeared to produce a really smart piece of business in the final hours of the winter window by agreeing a deal for Joshua King.

As noted by BBC Sport, King signed from Bournemouth on a deal that will run until the end of the season. But there is an option to extend those terms.

The Norwegian is approaching a half century of Premier League goals during his career. So it seemed that Carlo Ancelotti had landed some very good competition for the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

However, the early signs have not been the most encouraging.

The 29-year-old is yet to make a single start for the Toffees. In fact, he has only been on the pitch for 118 minutes across eight substitute appearances (via Whoscored).

There is still time for King to force his way into the fold and earn an extension at Goodison Park. But it has not been the best start.

And perhaps, there have now been some further ominous signs for King.

TuttoJuve reported this week that Everton are one of the sides keen on Sasa Kalajdzic.

The Stuttgart striker has scored 13 goals in 24 Bundesliga games this term. His record is all the more remarkable given that he has only started 14 times.

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, his asking price stands at around £15 million. So Everton would not need to break the bank to get him in in the summer.

And it surely not out of the question to suggest that Everton pursuing Kalajdzic this summer would hint that they have their doubts about keeping King.

Like King, Kalajdzic offers a real physical presence. But he is also able to make clever runs and has scored some really impressive goals this season.

If he did arrive, King would surely find it even harder to get game-time. And so, it would be no surprise if he was given the green light to look for another club.

The writing is not on the wall for King by any means. But it is not ideal that Everton are being linked with other forwards when he is yet to be given a proper chance to make an impact.