Everton have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of AC Milan attacker M’Baye Niang as he does not wish to play in the Premier League, according to a report.
Sky Sports Italy correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio, who is renowned as a transfer expert, has claimed on his personal website that the speed machine wants to avoid the Premier League after a tricky loan with Watford.
This comes as a blow to the Toffees, after Calcio Mercato claimed on Saturday that the French winger was the subject of an offer from Ronald Koeman’s side as the Merseyside giants look to complete their first signing of the summer.
It is believed Niang’s agent, Federico Pastorello, spoke to Milan chiefs on Sunday to discuss the future of the Frenchman, as his next club remains up for debate.
Watford have decided not to stump up the £13.9million required to turn Niang’s loan into a permanent deal at Vicarage Road, which has seen him return to the San Siro.
Niang made 16 appearances for the Hornets after moving to Hertfordshire on loan for the second half of the 2016-17 season, scoring two goals and providing two assists as Watford finished in 17th place.
The attacker, who can play on either flank of an attack or as a centre-forward, is known for his electrifying pace and eye for goal but failed to show that to its fullest extent during his Watford loan.
Now, it remains to be seen if Merseyside outfit Everton can change Niang’s mind in order to lure him to Goodison Park ahead of the 2017-18 season.