Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure wanted by ‘clubs around Europe’ – BBC Sport
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is a target for multiple European clubs, according to journalist Shamoon Hafez.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed on Thursday (26 October) that Doucoure looked set to sign a two-year extension at Goodison Park.
However, in an article for BBC Sport on Friday (27 October), Hafez reported it is not yet certain the Mali international will stay put, although it does look likely.
The article read: “BBC Sport understands Doucoure has a number of options on the table from clubs around Europe and remaining at Goodison Park is a distinct possibility.
“The former Watford midfielder has a strong relationship with the Blues and it is believed if the club can match his requirements then extending his stay is a serious option.”
Asked about Doucoure’s future at his pre-West Ham press conference on Friday (27 October), Dyche said: “We are ongoing with all the players and their agents, keeping in the loop with them.”
Get it done
The fact Doucoure is set to become a free agent at the end of the campaign is a worry and makes this a pressing concern for Everton.
The box-to-box midfielder has started all nine of the Toffees’ Premier League games this season, scoring three times.
That type of form, plus the fact he can sign a pre-contract agreement in January ahead of a free transfer, will have European clubs on alert.
Still, the suggestion from Fabrizio Romano earlier this week is that everything is on course for Doucoure to pen fresh terms on Merseyside.
That would be a big boost for Dyche, and indeed the club as a whole, at a time when some positive news would be very much welcomed.
Everton are a far better team with Doucoure in their ranks than without, so let’s just hope this new contract is finalised sooner rather than later.
In other Everton news, a journalist has suggested Dyche is a contender to become the first Premier League manager sacked this season.