Everton won’t have many transfer battles with Liverpool, but this could be one they win.
David Moyes would do anything to get one over the red side of Merseyside.
A way they might explore to do this is securing Ben Doak’s £30m arrival.
Well, on the winger’s front, it’s gone fairly quiet, but The Friedkin Group will still be exploring the signing of a right-winger.
That possibility could now become a reality for Everton, as Moyes has a plan to fend off Liverpool with one key target.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana.
Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images
Everton have a plan to land Malick Fofana over Liverpool
After it was announced that Lyon were relegated to Ligue 2, many of their players could be up for sale, and there are some gems.
It’s already been said that Everton want Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico, as the Argentine was in Moyes’ head before a verdict had been decided on Lyon’s future.
But now, the Scotsman is continuing his raid as Everton are keen on Malick Fofana, who looks to be a very exciting winger at the French side.
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The 20-year-old has certainly grabbed the attention, as Everton fans can’t believe Fofana is of interest.
Now, TEAMtalk have followed up on this interest, suggesting that a fee of £43m would be the amount Lyon require for the promising forward, but this could lower after their relegation.
It’s also said that Liverpool will rival Everton for the Belgian’s signature, but the Toffees have a trick up their sleeve.
Lyon could help Everton land Fofana due to the Toffees having a good relationship with the French side, having loaned Orel Mangala last season, and with Moyes also coming close to signing Ernest Nuamah from them in January.
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Everton’s trick might not be enough to land Fofana
Despite being on good terms with Lyon, the French outfit will most likely look to sell to the highest bidder, and that’s something Liverpool have on Everton’s potential £50m budget.
Nevertheless, Moyes will look to explore the possibility of using Mangala’s short tenure as a way to convince Fofana to join, as the Belgian will no doubt know the winger well.
He’s a very exciting talent, as Fofana has shown his clear promise on the European stage.
Everton might be able to convince Lyon, but at the end of the day, the player’s wishes come first, and unfortunately, that lies with Liverpool.
Malick’s agent, Bobo Fofana, spoke to Africa Foot in March and said: “The choice of the heart would be Liverpool.”
It’s highlighted that Fofana wants to follow in the footsteps of African legends like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane and will only do that by making the switch to Anfield instead of Bramley-Moore Dock.