Everton News

Everton unlikely to meet eye-watering sum needed for rumoured target fearing his future – opinion

|

Having already pulled out of deals for LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe and seeing our efforts to acquire David Neres hit a dead-end, it would be more than likely that FC Barcelona forward Malcom joins his compatriot in the targets that failed to gain traction column.

Everton were once again linked with the Barca winger earlier this month, when it emerged that his future in Catalunya was growing in doubt given his struggles to establish himself in Ernesto Valverde’s plans last season.

The reports of a €35million (£31.6m) offer were soon rubbished though, as Marcel Brands and Marco Silva are understood to be pursuing other targets at present, which likely include a centre-back with a return for Kurt Zouma looking unlikely. A new right-back should also be expected, with Silva recently stating his desires to improve his options in that position.

While Brands and Silva are not targeting Malcom at present, a move could yet be chased later in the summer, although it would be unlikely that we would be willing to meet Barcelona’s reported asking price, given our reluctance to break the club’s transfer record for Pepe.

According to Marca, last season’s La Liga champions will refuse any offer for Malcom that falls below €60million (£54.1m), and only a bid that exceeds that eye-watering figure would tempt them to consider the Brazilian’s future.

The potential return of Neymar to the Camp Nou may change their course of thought, however, as the PSG forward’s return would further restrict Malcom’s chances of featuring next season.

The arrival of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid will also restrict the minutes that will be on offer to Malcom, leaving the former FC Girondins Bordeaux attacker considering his future in Catalunya.

Malcom is yet to hand in an official transfer request to Barcelona’s hierarchy, although talks have been held to discuss the potential destinations that may be on offer.

Barca are yet to receive a concrete offer for the 22-year-old either, but Marca note there is interest from several clubs, including Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Share this article