The rumoured near deal to see Idrissa Gana Gueye join Paris Saint-Germain has hit a roadblock, as Everton are searching for answers to how we will cope without the Senegal midfielder, according to RMC Sport journalist Loic Tanzi.
It appeared the saga of will the 29-year-old finally secure his dream move to Les Parc des Princes was nearing its end earlier in the week, when reports in France suggested the Blues board had accepted a €32million (£28.5m) bid by the Ligue 1 champions.
Thomas Tuchel’s Les Parisiens were also understood to have put plans together to host the £70,000-a-week ace at their facilities this week for his obligatory medical, with Gueye jetting into the French capital from his holiday in Dakar following this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Everton, though, have put a roadblock in Les Rouge et Bleu’s plans, as Tanzi claims the Toffees board are refusing to sign Gueye’s move to PSG off until they are able to find his replacement.
The two clubs are still believed to be close to an agreement with Tuchel’s Champions League chasers very optimistic in their chances of finally landing his long-term target, but must now wait for the Toffees to put the €32million raised to good work.
There had been suggestions that Fabian Delph’s move from Manchester City earlier this month could provide the cover that sanctions Gueye’s departure, but a more resolute defensive midfielder appears to be in Marco Silva and Marcel Brands’ plans.
We have been linked with a handful of midfield anchors in 2019 after Tuchel first attempted to lure Gueye away from Merseyside, but Brands’ ideal candidate is no longer on the board after Olympique Lyonnais signed LOSC Lille ace Thiago Mendes for €22.5million (£20.8m) plus €4.5m (£4m) in add-ons.
AC Milan’s Franck Kessie has also been linked with a move away from the San Siro, with Goodison Park mentioned as a potential home, but the Ivorian would set the Blues back €35million (£31.2m).
Everton have also reportedly enquired about the availability of 2018 World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, but Juventus are not planning on parting ways with the former PSG star at present.