Everton have had a £26.6million bid rejected for Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to RMC Sports.
The French broadcaster claimed on their live transfer blog (Thursday, 1.31pm) that the Merseysiders have offered a package of an initial £22.1million plus £4.5million of add-ons to their Premier League rivals.
RMC report Doucoure is regarded by Hornets manager Javi Garcia as a vital player, who is keen to commit to another season at the club as he establishes himself in English football.
Good move for Everton?
Yes. Doucoure is Watford’s outstanding player. The central midfielder who joined from Granada in the summer of 2016 has improved steadily over the last two years and took his game to new heights last season, when he was outstanding in the first half of the campaign. His record of seven league goals and four assists from 37 league matches in 2017-18 was a highly impressive one for a player who also performs such a key role in winning the ball, screening the defence and stopping the opposition play. Everton are in the market for a midfield driving force and Doucoure would be an excellent acquisition if they could push it through,
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
RMC claim Doucoure is keen to remain at Watford at this stage, and the player’s intentions will be vital as to what happens between now and the 9 August cut-off. However, would the Hertfordshire club be able to withstand a concerted approach from Everton, who have the financial resources to blow them out of the water? That appears open to question.
This Is Futbol rating 4/10