View: Everton concerns may be eased as transfer update emerges from Saudi today
Everton: Abdoulaye Doucoure exit worries may be eased as Al-Ettifaq January transfer news emerges
Concerns at Everton surrounding a possible January transfer move for Abdoulaye Doucoure may have been relieved after Ben Jacobs reported that Al-Ettifaq are waiting on a green light to complete another deal.
The CBS journalist claimed Seko Fofana is the top target for Al-Ettifaq, with the club now waiting on him to decide on whether he wants to join.
Jacobs had previously reported [20 January] that, while there is interest in Doucoure, Fofana is their priority target, and it is only if he turns down the move that they would look elsewhere.
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This news will come as a relief to Everton, who are determined to hang onto Doucoure through the January transfer window, with his performances in Sean Dyche’s team this season making him one of the most important players at Goodison Park.
His six goals and one assist in 18 Premier League games so far this season have made him the club’s top scorer, and playing in a more advanced role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin has seen Dyche get the best out of his abilities.
Interest from the Saudi Arabian club had caused concern for the Toffees, with the wages on offer in the Middle East previously proving difficult to turn down, with former Everton ace Demarai Gray making the switch during the summer.
It has been widely reported that Everton are strapped for cash in the transfer market, which would make replacing Doucoure difficult, especially with just days to go until the window closes.
Now, though, with Fofana looking the more likely move for Al-Ettifaq, concerns can be put at ease, particularly if the player gives them the green light in the coming days, although should he turn down the move, alarms may start sounding at Goodison Park.
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