Everton: Mystery Andre Gomes suitors named as exit nears
The 2020-21 Ligue 1 champions Lille are the mystery side that are keen on signing Everton midfielder Andre Gomes, according to L’Equipe.
Adam Jones had reported via Twitter that Gomes was heading out of Finch Farm during training amid interest from an unnamed club to try and get a deal over the line before the 11pm transfer deadline.
That club have now been identified as Lille who are looking to replace Amadou Onana who made the opposite move earlier this summer for a transfer fee of £35million.
Paulo Fonseca wants to make more than one addition to the Mastiffs’ squad on deadline day and hopes Gomes can be added to Napoli winger Adam Ounas who is very close to a move to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Gomes made just 14 Premier League appearances last season without scoring and only managed two goals in his total 100 appearances for the Toffees.
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Given that Frank Lampard is keen on signing Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner before the transfer window closes this evening, he has to balance the books somewhat and getting rid of a fringe player is a brilliant way to do that.
Gomes will have no doubt been on a very high wage at Goodison Park as many are and that wage bill has to come down to bring more in, especially with the financial situation afoot at Finch Farm.
The Portuguese international has not lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he first signed for Everton and now room has to be made for the next crop of players that could be the answer to Lampard’s prayers.
Garner in particular will be seen as a direct replacement for Gomes with a very good technical ability and deadly set-pieces likely to make him a fan favourite on Merseyside if he signs in time.