Everton remain keen on versatile Lille defender Adama Soumaoro despite a final scouting mission being scuppered after the 25-year-old sustained an injury, according to The Sun.
The newspaper report that £18million-rated Soumaoro is keen on a move to the Premier League, and Lille are ready to cash in on him as they look to ease their dire financial situation.
The Sun claim that Sam Allardyce sent Steve Walsh for a final check on the £18million-rated enforcer last week, but the trip came to nothing as Soumaoro missed out through injury.
It is said that a move for Soumaoro, who can play at centre-back as well as full-back, may see Ashley Williams offloaded this month.
Everton have already spent nearly £50million on forwards Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott this month, and the Sun report “the big-spending Toffees are likely to throw more money at the team” as their signing blitz continues.
Good move for Everton?
Soumaoro has impressed for struggling Lille this season, who currently lie in 18th in Ligue 1.
The versatile enforcer has been linked with several clubs across the channel this month, and Everton would be adding some brilliant depth to their squad with this acquisition.
The powerful defender is able to play anywhere across the back line, and at £18million or so, represents a relatively inexpensive investment in today’s market.
However, the claim that Ashley Williams may be offloaded is a strange one, as he is one of just three senior centre-backs currently at the club, and letting him go would be a mistake.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It does look like Everton are in pole position to sign Soumaoro, and all signs are pointing towards a positive conclusion.
The player himself is keen on a move, and Lille are in need of cash, with the sale of Soumaoro to go a long way in alleviating their financial woes.
All that is left to happen now is for a bid to be tabled, and Everton should be able to get this one over the line before the close of the window.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10