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 clutch of top European clubs interested in signing England Under-17 goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks this summer.

The Everton stopper, 16, has dual nationality because of his Latvian heritage and this has opened up opportunities 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 keepers and has often played above his age group, including with the national team and Everton Under-18s.

Lukjanciks, who finishes school this summer, is set to join Everton’s academy as a scholar in July, but the interest from home and abroad could yet 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 keeper.

Douglas Lukjanciks has attracted eyes from across Europea as well as from Everton’s rivals

The England U17 prospect (pictured in September 2023) has frequently trained above his age