Everton have no excuses in Guela Doue transfer hunt after Ivory Coast win vs Ecuador

Everton can't afford to wait around in the race to sign Ivory Coast star Guela Doue.

The Strasbourg man emerged as a target for the Toffees before the transfer window opened on Monday.

Any move has been delayed as the right-back prepared to travel to the World Cup for the first time in his career.

The 23-year-old featured from the start as Cote d'Ivoire began the summer tournament with a late win against Ecuador in the early hours of Monday.

Amad Diallo netted a 90th minute winner as his first time effort flew into the far corner past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.

Doue featured and helped his side to keep a clean sheet while putting in a positive performance that should have Everton intrigued.

Guela Doue stars in Ivory Coast win vs Ecuador

The Toffees have been in desperate for a new right-back option for many seasons and are yet to solve that issue.

That search has continued into the current summer window and Doue has become a target in that area.

Merseysiders will have been keeping tabs on the Strasbourg star as he started against Ecuador.

The 23-year-old featured across 89 minutes and maintained a 90 per cent pass accuracy while creating two chances from full-back.

He completed a cross and one long ball as he looked to make things happen in attacking areas.

That was only made better by his five defensive actions and seven successful duels on the day which helped his side on their way to a clean sheet.

It was an accomplished performance from Doue and one that David Moyes will surely be watching with a view to making a deal happen.

Everton could swoop for Doue amid David Moyes World Cup scouting mission

There are always breakout stars at the World Cup and Doue could certainly prove to be one of those.

He has been a regular for both Rennes and Strasbourg over the years, but could soon become well known to a Premier League audience.

Former Everton scout Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Goodison News, said he believes Moyes will be out in America to personally attend fixtures and scout players at the summer tournament.

Doue surely has to be one of those after his prior links to the Toffees earlier in the summer.

If he is, the Scot has chosen a great time to watch the Ivorian and now has to try and push for a move.

The right-back proved exactly what he could add to the Blues, so waiting around could prove to be a massive mistake.