Everton is making progress in signing Abdoulaye Doucoure and Joshua King from Watford and AFC Bournemouth respectively.
There is a trend of players leaving the clubs after relegation to the Championship. Norwich City, AFC Bournemouth and Watford were relegated at the end of the season and players are scrambling to secure moves in the Premier League or in foreign countries. Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and Cherries striker Joshua King are one of many thinking to leave their clubs. Everton maintains an interest in both of these players and have made considerable progress in their chase.
Carlo Ancelotti wants to reinforce the midfield in order to make the Toffees competitive enough for a European challenge. With Allan deal is nearing its completion, Marcel Brands is now eager to add Doucoure to the ranks.
Everton have seen their £15 million bid rejected from Watford with the Hornets wanting £35 million. The talks are on-going with the player having already agreed personal terms with the Toffees. The Royal Blues are set to offer £120,000 a week on a four year contract. In fact, Everton have made a lot of progress with now Abdoulaye Doucoure having his heart set at Everton move.
According to Get Football News France, the Frenchman has rejected offers from a string of clubs in order to make the Everton transfer happen. The 27 year old has rejected offers from Wolves, Hertha Berlin and Fulham. French Journalist Manu Lonjon claims that AS Monaco also admires Abdoulaye Doucoure and have launched a charming bid of €25 million.
Despite AS Monaco’s offer, it looks the Frenchman wants to remain in England and is interested in working with Carlo Ancelotti next season. A second bid from Everton in the region of £25 million is expected soon.
Meanwhile, the Toffees have even shown some movement in AFC Bournemouth striker Joshua King. The Cherries striker is not very keen to stay at Vitality Stadium after the relegation and is eyeing a Premier League return.
A number of clubs courted King but now the initial fizz has dwindled and only select teams remain in the hunt. The Daily Mail reported that King wants a Premier League move despite sizeable interest from AC Milan and Lazio of Serie A. The Sun reported earlier that the Merseysiders were lining up a £15 million bid but Bournemouth will only sell for £25 million.
Whether a bid is tabled for the Norwegian remains to be seen. Newcastle United is the other Top Flight club wanting the 28 year old’s services. Joshua King for sure wants a Premier League move, but his hopes will hinge on whether Everton, Newcastle or any other side comes up with an offer that convinces the Cherries.
The Toffees seem to have finally picked up pace in the transfer market and are making progress at all fronts. This is an encouraging sign for all fans who have been waiting far too long for things to happen in the transfer window.