Everton News

Everton dealt huge setback in bid to sign €40m star, Brands not giving up hope – report

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Everton Director of Football Marcel Brands has not given up hope of sealing a deal for Bertrand Traore, despite Olympique Lyonnais stating the 23-year-old is not for sale, as per Foot01.

The French outfit are set to part ways with former reported Toffees target Tanguy Ndombele in the coming days, with the midfielder expected to join Tottenham Hotspur in a £65million deal. Left-back Ferland Mendy, meanwhile, has already left Les Gones, with the 24-year-old joining Real Madrid in a move worth up to £47.1million.

Another reported Everton target Nabil Fekir is also expected to follow the pair away from the Lyon Olympic Stadium this summer, but the trio are thought to be the only big names departing the seven-time Ligue 1 champions, with club President Jean-Michel Aulas and head coach Sylvinho reluctant to lose anyone else.

The pair have discussed the potential loss of Traore with Sporting Director Juninho, but Aulas has stated: “The door is closed for Bertrand Traore.”

Everton are still thought to be intent on changing their stance despite the huge setback, however, with Brands weighing up making a £25million approach for the Burkina Faso international. That bid will likely be rejected, though, as previous reports have indicated toward Lyon placing a €40million (£35.8m) asking price on the £59,139-a-week winger.

Our Director of Football is said to be convinced Traore has what it takes to make a difference in the Premier League despite his struggles to forge a role for himself at Chelsea, as the 49-cap star struck seven goals in the recent Ligue 1 campaign, while registering three assists.

Brands could also yet get his chance to sign the Pensioners product, as Foot01 note that Aulas could re-open the door to his exit if negotiations present an offer that he simply cannot refuse or the winger hands in a transfer request.

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