Everton are one of several clubs who ‘covet’ Saint Etienne defender Wesley Fofana, having made a bid for him in the January transfer window.
The Blues are on the hunt for a new centre-back this summer, with Marcel Brands identifying that area of the team as one that needs reinforcement.
They have been linked to several around Europe over the last few months; Lille’s Gabriel Magalhães thought to be top of the list.
Sealing a move for the Brazilian has proven to be tricky, though, with Napoli also eyeing up a move as they seek a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly should he leave as expected.
As such, Everton need alternatives, and Fofana is one identified given his age and potential price tag.
But! Football Club confirm they are keen on the 19-year-old this summer and, alongside the likes of RB Leipzig and AC Milan ‘covet’ his signature.
They add that Everton actually made an offer for him ‘last winter’, i.e. in the January transfer window, but don’t make clear what the nature of that bid was.
It seems, though, that should they still want him they will have to fight hard with Milan for his signature.
Reports yesterday claimed that the Italian side had made an opening offer of €18m for him which was rejected as ASSE want €30m for him.
But! dispute that, however, and say that their sources inform them the €18m bid was the second offer from Milan, who offered €15m first.
Both have been rejected so far, and the website make it clear Saint Etienne could be willing to sell Fofana for less than €30m this summer.
In addition, they add that a source close to the player has told them that Fofana’s agents have already agreed on contract terms with Milan ahead of a potential move.
The player, for his part, would prefer to stay in France for another year before heading to England, but that appears to have changed in the last few days, and ‘the indicators’ now point to a move away.
Where he will end up remains unknown at this point, although it appears Everton have an advantage over European competition due to the player’s preference for moving across the Channel.
