By Pranav Shahaney

30th Jan, 2023 | 5:10pm

Southampton mooted to be backing away as Everton eye transfer of Kamaldeen Sulemana

Southampton were understood to be backing away from a deal to sign Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana amid interest from Everton and his valuation.

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the Toffees are also keen on signing the Ghana international after the sale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle.

The Toffees are yet to make the announcement of Sean Dyche official despite him being spotted at Finch Farm multiple times this week.

Via Twitter, Crook wrote, “EFC interest in Sulemana not helpful for #SaintsFC but get the impression they were already backing away from that deal due to Rennes asking price.”

One horse race?

It seems like now Everton are the only club keen on signing the Ghana international ahead of the transfer deadline on 31 January.

The Toffees need to sign a wide player and perhaps even another goal scorer as they’re short on options in the final third.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is their main goal threat but he has also been extremely underwhelming in the past few months.

It remains to be seen when and if Everton come in with another offer for Sulemana and hopefully, it should be within the next few hours.

They made a verbal offer for the 20-year-old but that’s understood to be turned down and it’s time they now sit at the negotiation table and arrive at a mutual conclusion.

There’s not long left and we’re hoping that this is a player that Dyche wants otherwise it’s going to be another challenge to bring the best out of him.