Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez is set to become one of the hottest properties in MLS this summer but his current employers may be willing to play hardball in a bid to keep him.
The three-time US international experienced something of a breakout season last term, notching an impressive 18 goals and eight assists in 33 league outings and is thought to be attracting interest from clubs in Europe. A solid start to this season — four goals in 17 matches so far — has meant that teams including Premier League outfit Everton are keeping tabs on his availability, as per The Athletic.
The Toffees struggled to score goals in the league during their last campaign, with only Wolves finding the net on fewer occasions as they finished in a lowly 17th place. Manager Sean Dyche will be keen to arrest the slide ahead of his first full season at Goodison Park by improving his striking options, with first-choice forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury record likely to be a concern.
The England striker is undoubtedly talented but he has only managed 17 appearances in the Premier League in his last two seasons on Merseyside. On top of this, back-up options Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms managed just one goal each when called upon during a campaign to forget for the Blues.
The report from The Athletic states that the 24-year-old also has suitors lining up for him in the Bundesliga in the form of Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach, with the latter having even sent sporting director Roland Virkus to watch him in March. It is also worth noting, however, that FC Cincinnati rejected an offer of $7million (£5.49m) from Mexican giants Chivas for the forward in the winter.
Given that the Ohio team is currently riding high at the top of the Eastern Conference standings and is on course to win the Supporters' Shield, it is possible that they will do everything they can to retain Vazquez's services — at least until the end of the season. On top of this, fellow Cincinnati marksman Brenner is set to leave the club this summer.
The Brazilian will join Serie A club Udinese for a club-record $10m (£7.84m) when the MLS transfer window officially opens next month, with general manager having reiterated the club's ambition to grow following the emergence of the deal. Speaking about the transfer back in April, he said: "Our ultimate goal at FC Cincinnati is to win games for our incredible fans, and we understand that developing players is central to attracting the best talent.
"This is a significant transfer for our club and is a testament to everything our staff has done in the past year and a half. Our ownership will continue to give us the resources to compete and this transfer only adds to that commitment."
Both Brenner and Vazquez reached a joint-best total of 18 goals in MLS last season — the first time club teammates have achieved such a feat — demonstrating the extent of their respective abilities. Designated player Brenner has struggled to replicate this form this season and has scored just once in eight games but his performances last season have shown enough promise to convince Udinese to part with their cash.
With some eight points separating Cincinnati from their nearest challengers Nashville in the Eastern Conference, the club will clearly be wary of not derailing the team's fortunes in the coming months. With this in mind, it would seem improbable that coach Pat Noonan would be happy to let two of his most influential players leave over the course of the summer.
