Mali are increasingly confident they have convinced Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure to switch allegiance from France and represent them on the international stage.
That’s according to Football 365 in France, who say there has been progress with the Everton star over a change of nationality.
Earlier this year, it was revealed Doucoure was in talks to switch allegiance from France, who he has never made a senior appearance for, and feature for the African nation instead.
This was displayed in confidence by the president of the Malian Football Federation, Mamoutou Toure, who publicly declared, “We are in negotiations for the arrival of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Moussa Dembele and Cheick Doucoure and by the end of the week we will have a result.”
That was back in February, and there has been no mention of the topic since, with Football 365 stating that the lack of official confirmation means people have been ‘left to speculate’.
They now provide their own information on the issue and say Mali have received a rejection from Lyon’s Moussa Dembele, who is likely to turn down the chance to change allegiance.
They’ve had a similar experience with Lens midfielder Cheick Doucouré, who has decided to focus on his club for the time being.
However, discussions with Doucoure have been ‘more fruitful’, and there is seemingly a growing optimism they have convinced the Everton man to represent them.
Whether they can reach an agreement before the next international break remains to be seen, but in terms of the Toffees’ star, it appears progress is underway.
