EVERTON have launched a transfer bid for Jean-Clair Todibo but are refusing to meet Barcelona’s £13.75million asking price, reports say.
The Toffees’ defence has yet to be addressed in this transfer window but Carlo Ancelotti is now reportedly keen on Todibo joining his back four.
Everton and Rennes are prepared to battle it out over Todibo Credit: Getty – Contributor
The club faces a battle to secure his signature, however, as French club Rennes are also in the mix take him away from the Nou Camp.
The 20-year-old spent last year on loan at Schalke and it appears Ronald Koeman does not see a way back for him into the first team.
He joined the club in January 2019 for free but the Frenchman has failed to make a major impression so far.
The Mail Online report that the Spanish club have set his price tag at £13.75m – and it is now left to Everton to stump up the cash.
Both the Merseyside club and Rennes want Barca to lower their demands, according to Mundo Deportivo, leaving negotiations at a standstill.
Barcelona are reportedly looking to raise money so they can pursue Ajax full-back Sergino Dest.
Ancelotti has confirmed he wants Everton to add a defender to the squad before the transfer window slams shut on October 5.
The club have been linked with Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori for weeks, but reports also suggest they first have to slim down the squad before bringing him in.
An Everton deal for Fikayo Tomori has been rumoured for many weeksCredit: Getty – Contributor
It is an immediate problem for Ancelotti with his team having only two fit centre-backs for their win at Fleetwood in the EFL cup last night.
A toe injury is keeping Mason Holgate on the sidelines while teenager Jarrad Brathwaite will be out for around a month after tearing ligaments in his left ankle.
That leaves Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as the only senior defenders at Goodison Park.
Most of Everton’s transfer activity has so far focused on bolstering the midfield – and it has won much praise from neutrals.
James Rodriguez has wowed fans with two outstanding performances since he joined on a free transfer.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan have also impressed since they signed for the club.
How Everton could line-up this season with James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in Ancelotti’s new-look side
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
