Everton: Barcelona make decision on Amadou Onana transfer as asking price named

Barcelona have withdrawn their interest in Everton star Amadou Onana after the Goodison Park club demanded a "prohibitive" £51.3million transfer fee, according to Sport.

The Spanish news outlet reported on 16 March that Barcelona were willing to pay a maximum of £38.5million to land the midfielder, but would have to sell assets to reach the asking price.

It is also said that the Spanish giants turned their attention to Onana after Bruno Guimaraes [Newcastle], Joshua Kimmich [Bayern Munich] and Martin Zubimendi [Real Sociedad] proved out of their reach.

Will Everton sell Amadou Onana this summer?

After reports emerged that Barcelona had already tabled a £34million bid to land Onana in the summer, the news that they could now be pulling out of negotiations should come as a relief to Everton supporters who want to hold on to the midfielder.

It is said in the Spanish reports that, despite the club's disappointing league performances this season, Onana's reputation has remained high, and that is shown by the level of interest in his services.

It could be smart for Everton to try to drive up the price using reported interest from London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea to kickstart a bidding war with Barcelona and make the most of the opportunity to make a profit on Onana.

It looks fairly likely that Everton will have to sell some of their star players in the summer given the financial situation the club has found itself in. Onana, given his reputation and high price tag, could be one of those players.

News that Barcelona have been put off may come as a relief, but the interest from elsewhere may still be explored this summer.

In other Everton news, a positive has emerged amid the latest controversy surrounding Sean Dyche.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.