Everton are among the ‘most interested’ sides continuing to pursue FC Barcelona outcast Jean-Clair Todibo during the summer transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo.
It is suggested that Everton and AC Milan have long been seen in Catalunya as the two sides most likely to acquire Todibo during the summer transfer window, with his future seen to be far away from the Camp Nou.
Todibo has returned to Barcelona following his half-season loan with FC Schalke 04 after the Bundesliga outfit opted against triggering their option to buy, and now faces a waiting game to see where he will play next season as his La Liga outfit are not looking to keep him any longer.
Barca have expressed their stance to Todibo and received two formal offers for the 20-year-old, although neither bid appears sufficient with the Frenchman’s departure not expected to be imminent.
It is not claimed whether AC Milan or Everton are behind the formal approaches, while Leicester City are also said to be courting Todibo who Barcelona value at no less than €25million (£22.5m).
Recent reports in France have suggested the same valuation and added that the fee in question ‘scared off’ Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the West Midlands outfit running after hearing what Barcelona are requesting for a player who only opened four Bundesliga fixtures whilst with Schalke on loan.
The reports of Wolves running scared also claimed Todibo has options to join Stade Rennais, Atlanta or Benfica, but has a slim chance of being given another shot at the Camp Nou if no side is willing to offer Barcelona the full €25m.
Would you spend €25m on Todibo this summer?
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Everton taking the punt on Todibo that Wolves will not could be seen as a risky game by Director of Football Marcel Brands, who was the man responsible for finalising the transfer of Yerry Mina to join from Barcelona for €30.25m (£27.19m) in 2018.
The Colombian has since been plagued with injuries, started just 66% of the Toffees’ 2019/20 Premier League fixtures and was only able to play the full 90 minutes once since February.
Todibo was much the same with Schalke by only starting 24% of their Bundesliga fixtures, playing the full 90 minutes just once whilst in Germany on loan and suffering with groin and ankle injuries.
The Barcelona outcast was at least praised in the past for his physicality, with the Frenchman lauded by former head coach Ernesto Valverde.
“Great player, with a future ahead and with physical qualities. It’s difficult to play for Barca but he’s learning fast,” Valverde said, via quotes by Tribuna.