Everton’s hopes of signing Lorient forward Dango Ouattara may be boosted by the fact contract negotiations with Lorient are ‘at a standstill’.
That’s according to L’Equipe, who say the French side have been ‘slow’ to offer a new deal to the 20-year-old and that has left his future in doubt.
Ouattara has emerged as a target for Everton this month as they desperately try to improve their forward options after struggling for goals this season.
Reports this week have made it clear that they have made an ‘attack’ for the forward, with it explained yesterday that their first bid was worth €20m but rejected.
The belief has consistently been that Lorient don’t want to sell and won’t, but the player’s contract situation could change that stance.
His current deal only runs until 2024, meaning this window and the summer could be Lorient’s last to make money if the player does not sign a new deal. Indeed, they would likely have to sell cheaper in the summer given he’d be in his final year.
According to L’Equipe, the player’s rapid emergence has caught Lorient unaware, and they have been slow to react to that. An extension offer was sent during the autumn but that is now ‘at a standstill.’
That has helped encourage the interest from the Premier League, where the player has a ‘good reputation’ at Everton and Bournemouth.
The latter have already made a bid and Ouattara’s future at Lorient is ‘uncertain’ according to the newspaper. In other words, the Toffees may have a chance of getting their man thanks to his contract, which could force his club into a sale they’d prefer to avoid.
