AS Monaco set to beat Everton for Leicester City striker Patson Daka

Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco have opened negotiations to sign Leicester City striker Patson Daka this summer, reports L’Equipe.

The Zambian forward is also said to be open to the move after being impressed by the French club’s project.

It may well not go down as great news for Premier League outfit Everton, who have been tracking Daka.

The Toffees have identified the Foxes star as a potential target alongside Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto and Udinese’s Beto.

The Blues recently acquired talented teenager Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth £15 million, yet Sean Dyche is keen on adding one more striker to the squad.

The Merseysiders would have thought their top-flight status could help them persuade Daka – as was in the case of Jack Harrison’s recent transfer from Leeds United to Goodison Park – but Monaco are now looking to throw a spanner in the works.

Les Monegasques already have Wissam Ben Yedder and Myron Boadu at their disposal, but they are still looking to strengthen the centre-forward position.

Monaco are also concurrently working on a deal for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, whose future at the Emirates Stadium is hanging in the balance amid heavy exit speculation.

Adi Hutter’s side have already seen an offer worth €40m knocked back by the Gunners, but they are expected to raise the bid sooner.

The imminent departure of Kevin Volland to Union Berlin has led Monaco to scour the market for a centre forward.

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Monaco have already signed Denis Zakaria, Mohammed Salisu and Philipp Kohn, making it a productive summer window.

Torino’s Wilfried Singo is expected to be the next arrival, with reports claiming that Monaco have reached a total agreement with the Serie A outfit.