Everton are interested in Valenciennes defender Ismaël Doukouré
Everton are one of several clubs interested in Valenciennes defender Ismaël Doukouré, according to French outlet La Voix Des Sports.
Arsenal and Leicester are also reportedly interested while across Europe Barcelona, Roma and several other clubs are believed to be courting the 17-year-old.
Valenciennes are said to want between €6-8million for the centre-back, which works out at £5.2-£6.9million.
A figure in that region could take their total income from transfers past the €20million [£17.3million] mark, making a potential deal for Doukouré a record-breaking one for Valenciennes.
The report also details that several clubs have sent scouts to collect information on the “phenomenon”, who is highly regarded by Valenciennes president Eddy Zdziech.
One for the future
Carlo Ancelotti recently played down a move for Kalidou Koulibaly [Liverpool Echo] due to the strength of our centre-backs, but that does not rule out signing Doukouré.
At 17 he has years ahead of him to develop and Ancelotti could view him as a long-term project.
Doukouré is already showing a lot of promise too.
Per WyScout, he has averaged 4.1 interceptions per game and has won 86% of his sliding tackles.
There is potential for him to flourish at Goodison and he should learn a great from experienced professionals like Yerry Mina and Michael Keane.
In Mason Holgate he would have a good example to follow as the defender arrived at Everton as a young player and is now a key first-team player.
Interest from Barcelona and Arsenal shows Doukouré possess a lot of talent – he does have 17 appearances in all competitions at age 17 after all.
In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand thinks Manchester United should sign ‘fantastic’ Everton ace.
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