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According to The Daily Star, Everton have joined a host of top European clubs keen on signing Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele however, if the Goodison Park outfit want to avoid completely breaking the bank, a swoop for Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure would be far smarter.
What’s the word?
Well, The Daily Star reports that the Toffees have thrown their hat in the ring for the Ligue 1 star and will have to compete with Premier League champions Manchester City, Champions League winners Real Madrid and Catalan giants Barcelona for his signature.
Impressing on both the domestic and European stages, the Frenchman has earned himself a hefty £75m price tag and has already been subject to a bid from Pep Guardiola and City, who have identified him as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho.
Everton made some big statements in the summer with the signings of Barcelona trio Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes and Lucas Digne, as well as Marco Silva favourite, Richarlison – the Portuguese boss should consider raiding his former club Watford once again for a player who he brought the best out of, instead of entering an eye-watering bidding war for Ndombele.
Doucoure’s in demand
The 6-footer has come on leaps and bounds since his move to the Prem in 2016 and his performances for the Hornets have seen him attract interest from French giants, PSG.
Speaking on French talkshow, Canal Football Club, the 26-year-old added fuel to the rumour fire as he confessed his desire to leave the Hertfordshire outfit amidst transfer interest this month, despite signing a new five-year deal in August.
Much like Ndombele, the former Granada man is a powerful, energetic midfielder capable of stopping a opposition attack with a meaty tackle before releasing a teammate on the counter or striding forward himself – he could be the perfect partner for Idrissa Gueye at the base of an Everton midfield that could do with some added steel.
While Watford would surely demand more than the £22.5m Doucoure is valued at by Transfermarkt, their valuation would surely fall a far cry from Lyon’s asking price for Ndombele and they won’t have near as much competition for his signature.
What do you think, Evertonians? Would you like to see Abdoulaye Doucoure on Merseyside? Let us know by voting in the poll below…
