Everton transfer news as Saint-Etienne begin discussions to sign Niels Nkounkou
Saint-Etienne have begun discussions to sign Everton loanee Niels Nkounkou on a permanent basis this summer, according to journalist Ignazio Genuardi.
The 22-year-old full-back is on his third temporary loan spell away from Goodison Park since last donning the Toffees top and has undergone a stunning upward trajectory in Ligue 2, registering six goals and six assists from 15 games.
French media outlet FootSur 7 revealed on 6 April that the 22-year-old is an in-demand player and is drawing interest from clubs all over Europe.
However, it seems as though Saint-Etienne are desperate to keep him at the club, according to a latest report.
Foot Mercato journalist Ignazio Genuardi took to his personal Twitter account on Friday morning [5 May] and revealed:
“Author of remarkable services since his arrival last January, Nkounkou will he stay in Sainté?
“There is competition, but the Greens have launched concrete discussions for the final transfer of the one who is now on loan from Everton.”
Evaluate in summer
It’s no secret that Nkoukou is enjoying the campaign of his career in Saint-Etienne colours, registering six goals and six assists in 15 games – an incredible number for a defender of his age.
No wonder why the French outfit want to keep him at the club beyond this season. However, that may prove difficult for the French outfit given the interest from elite sides in his services this summer.
All of that depends on Everton though, and given Nkounkou’s terrific form and development all campaign, the Toffees will certainly want to evaluate him again this summer.
There is simply no need to make any rash decisions regarding his future just yet as the defender is still just 22 with plenty of room to grow and blossom even further.
Everton could certainly do with another left-back too, with Vitalii Mykolenko their only real viable option in the position. Nkounkou has shown at Saint-Etienne that he’s got what it takes to cut it at the top level, and maybe Everton shouldn’t give up on him just yet.