Lyon striker Moussa Dembélé ‘was interested by Everton’s project’ but the sacking of Frank Lampard has changed his thinking.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who say the striker is now reconsidering his choice as Lampard was ‘fundamental’ to him moving to Goodison Park.
They explain that Everton were ready to go on the offensive for Dembélé this month after targeting him in the summer transfer window.
Dembélé had held discussions with Lampard about the move then, with the former Everton boss making the Frenchman his number one priority.
Contact was not broken between the Blues and the striker throughout the first half of the season, and contrary to reports elsewhere, Dembélé had always ‘seriously considered’ the move to Goodison Park.
He ‘never refused the Everton option’ but Lampard’s sacking has changed the situation considerably.
He was fundamental in Dembélé’s plans to move to Merseyside but his departure is a ‘game-changer’. The threat of relegation has also helped to ‘put a damper’ on the potential move.
Dembélé is now not as keen as he once was and the Toffees, plus their next manager will seemingly have to reopen talks and convince him all over again.
