Everton face a battle for talented England U17s goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks… with top European sides and Premier League rivals circling ahead of the summer window

Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen are among a group of top European clubs interested in signing England Under-17 goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks this summer.

The 16-year-old Everton stopper has dual nationality due to his Latvian heritage and this has opened up opportunities for him on the continent.

Leverkusen, German rivals RB Leipzig and French club Marseille have all watched Lukjanciks, who is regarded as one of England’s most promising goalkeepers and has often played above his age group, including with the national team and Everton Sub -18.

But it’s not just foreign clubs doing the rounds: Tottenham, Aston Villa and Southampton are regular observers of the youngster.

Lukjanciks, who finishes his studies this summer, will join Everton’s academy as a scholarship player in July, but domestic and foreign interest could see him decide to continue his career elsewhere.

That would be a blow for the Toffees, who have him earmarked as a future first-team goalkeeper.

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