Earlier on Wednesday, we relayed the rather surprising news that Ishak Belfodil’s transfer from Standard Liège to Everton had collapsed.
The Algerian striker had a dream of playing in the Premier League, and was oh so close to fulfilling it, only to see the Toffees try and include extra agents, much to the player’s entourage’s displeasure.
According to the Belgian newspaper, West Ham, Sunderland, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Hull City were all also interested in signing the 25-year-old this January, which could still be the case come June if he carries on impressing as he has done since the start of the season.
With Saido Berahino likely to leave the Hawthorns and David Moyes’ side seemingly solely relying on Jermaine Defoe for goals, it isn’t a surprise to see both Tony Pulis and the Black Cats interested in a prolific striker.
As for Palace, Hull and West Ham, all three clubs are currently struggling for form in the Premier League, even if Andy Carroll appears to be back for good for the Hammers.
Everton were said to have agreed a deal with Standard Liège for around €10-12m, which you’d expect would be close to what they would ask for in the summer, considering the player’s contract expires in June 2018.
Then again, if Belfodil continues to play as well as he did in the first half of the season (10 goals and five assists in 21 appearances), you wouldn’t put it past them to ask for that little bit more. That wouldn’t be a problem for West Brom, but Sunderland’s transfer spending very much depends on what league they’re in next season.
