Everton pose threat as Issa Doumbia auction on cards, transfer could cost over £21.6m
Everton could be a cause for concern for Sporting CP in the race for Venezia midfielder Issa Doumbia.
According to O Jogo on 19 May, the Portuguese club believe an offer of around £21.6million should be enough to sign the Italy Under-21 international, but interest from the Toffees and other Premier League clubs could push the price up.
The news outlet reports that Sporting CP want to avoid turning the pursuit of the 22-year-old into an auction, which may happen if the likes of the Blues get involved.
With the Merseyside outfit keeping an eye on the young central-midfielder, there's cause for apprehension among the Jose Alvalade Stadium's hierarchy.
Doumbia is a target at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but it remains to be seen whether The Friedkin Group will table a bid for the Italian ace anytime soon.
Everton to get special talent in Issa Doumbia
Doumbia helped Venezia secure promotion to Serie A this season, scoring eight goals and providing assists from midfield.
The youngster's Sofascore heatmap shows him most often occupying the left side of the opposition half, with his dribbling clearly his strength.
| Serie B Statistics | Issa Doumbia |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Big chances created | 5 |
| Accurate passes per game | 33.4 (90%) |
| Successful dribbles per game | 1.1 (43%) |
| Penalty won | 1 |
| Balls recovered per game | 3.8 |
| Aerial duels won per game | 1.1 (46%) |
Doumbia also uses his energy to win the ball back for his team and has shown impressive strength when it comes to his aerial ability.
The Italian ace is still raw, but has shown immense potential that David Moyes could help bring out regularly at the Merseyside outfit.
Idrissa Gueye replacement needed at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Idrissa Gueye's contract at Everton expires at the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether he extends his stay for another year.
The Toffees will undoubtedly need to find the Senegal international's successor sooner rather than later, and while Doumbia may have a few different attributes, he could potentially slot right into Moyes' engine room.
James Garner has been the Blues' standout star this season, but the England international has received a lot of support from Gueye in the midfield.
There are many uncertainties around Moyes and some players heading into the summer, but what's clear is that TFG should look to reinforce the Merseyside outfit's squad in the coming months, with additions certainly needed across the pitch.