Everton make Guela Doue transfer decision after scouting trip to Chelsea sister-club Strasbourg
Everton went to watch Guela Doué in action ahead of the January transfer window opening this week.
The Toffees are looking to strengthen David Moyes‘ squad after a positive first half of the campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
A right-back is an Everton transfer priority thanks to injury issues within the squad, while James Garner is wanted in his natural midfield position rather than filling in at the back.
Nathan Patterson made his first start of the season as Everton beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Tuesday, having come on in the goalless draw with Burnley last weekend for his first senior action in a Blues shirt for almost nine months, but with Seamus Coleman still out the club have been working on recruitment at the position.
Everton decide against Guela Doue inexperience
According to an update from the Daily Mail Everton scouts have already been to watch Strasbourg’s Doué, the elder brother of PSG sensation Désiré.
The 23-year-old right-back was a key part of the side last as he missed just two league games under Liam Rosenior, who is currently linked to replacing Enzo Maresca at sister club Chelsea after the Italian’s shock departure on New Year’s Day.
And after the start of the current campaign was disrupted by injury Doué has reprised his regular starting role, and has 13 gaps for Cote d’Ivoire and is currently with his national team at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But despite this, as well as a versatility to play elsewhere in defence or in midfield, Everton reportedly prefer to go for a target who has already proven themselves in the Premier League.
David Moyes tradition could hold Everton back
There’s no denying the work that Moyes has done since returning to Merseyside as The Freidkin Group‘s first appointment in place of Sean Dyche.
The Scot, boosted by the new stadium, solid investment from the new owners, and a lack of existential fear around the club, has Everton closer to a race for Europe than the relegation battles that had become customary.
But when it comes to the transfer market his conservatism and preference for pursuing Premier League experience could lead to the club missing out on exciting targets.
Whether Doué is the right man for the Toffees is impossible to tell unless or until he arrived, but some positions seem easier to translate across divisions than others.
Presumably if the French-Ivorian impresses enough he will end up at Stamford Bridge before long, in which case Everton may then learn what they could have had.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews