Everton may have to enter bidding war to sign Guela Doue as transfer battle expected to 'intensify'

Everton are once again interested in signing Strasbourg full-back Guela Doue, but may face some competition for his signature.

The Toffees have made it a top priority to sign a new right-back this summer after suffering in the position last season.

David Moyes has had his say, too, as the Blues have a long list of potential targets, and one of them will be Seamus Coleman's successor.

Everton looked at Doue in the winter window, sending scouts over to France to watch him play in Ligue 1, but a decision was made against signing him due to inexperience.

However, there has been a change of mind at Hill Dickinson recently, as the Toffees want to sign the Ivory Coast international after all.

Doue has impressed for both club and country this year, and though Everton are back in for him, they may have wished they pulled the trigger earlier.

European giants enter chase for Everton-linked Doue

According to The Times, Everton are looking at the possibility of signing Doue this summer.

The 23-year-old is said to be a favourite for the Toffees' hierarchy amid a long list of possible right-back targets.

However, according to Africa Foot, Borussia Dortmund have enquired about the player, as PSG remain interested in signing the older brother of their current star, Desire Doue.

It's said that Strasbourg are in no rush to sell the defender, as they expect the battle for his signature to "intensify" with his continued good form at the World Cup.

With the nature of how transfers like this work these days, Everton may be preparing to enter a bidding war for the player they could have signed for cheaper in the winter.

How much do Strasbourg value Doue at?

Strasbourg only signed Doue for just over £5million in 2024, and are set to make a healthy profit should they decide to cash in this summer.

It is reported that the Ligue 1 outfit values the defender at around £17.2m, a fee that should be of no worry to the Blues.

However, that may be a benchmark for talks to start at, as Strasbourg have confidence that a battle could see his exit fee rise in price.

Everton should still have the finances to pull it off, though they have less chance with the likes of PSG lurking.