Everton’s transfer business is starting to ramp up after a slow start to the window. Carlos Alcaraz is set to join on a permanent basis following a loan spell last season, while defender Kenny Tete is looking like the next summer arrival.
David Moyes is also looking at signing a new centre-forward or two during the window. Villarreal star Thierno Barry is a player who could be close to sealing a move to Everton in the coming weeks.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry-1
These players will improve the current squad, but the newest player that Moyes is showing interest in would certainly trump them all.
Everton make enquiry for Ligue 1 sensation
With Moyes eager to bolster his first-team squad ahead of Everton’s maiden season at their new stadium, a marquee arrival would signify a statement of intent.
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have now made an enquiry about Lyon starlet Malick Fofana amid Lyon’s relegation from Ligue 1.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
This decision could see the French side selling off their finest talent, something the Toffees have taken into consideration. They initially wanted £42m for the winger, but this fee might be dropped due to their financial crisis.
As many as ten Premier League clubs want to sign the youngster, indicating that Moyes has plenty of competition.
By landing the Belgian starlet, Moyes could sign Everton a bigger talent than Iliman Ndiaye.
Why Everton must sign Malick Fofana
Like Fofana, Ndiaye was at a Ligue 1 club before moving to Everton last summer. During his first season in the Premier League, he scored nine times, showcasing his talents on the big stage.
When compared to his peers in the top flight, Ndiaye also ranked in the top 6% for successful take-ons (2.52) and in the top 12% for interceptions (0.74) per 90. If he can build on these statistics next term, Ndiaye will be one of the club’s finest players.
There is no doubt that Fofana could be a bigger talent, however. The 20-year-old scored 11 goals and grabbed six assists for Lyon last term, enjoying a stunning breakthrough season in France.
Hailed as a “game-changer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Fofana was at his best in the Europa League last season.
Malick Fofana's stats in the Europa League last season
Goals
Assists
Big chances created
Key passes per game
Goal conversion percentage
Scoring frequency
Via Sofascore
Indeed, when he was compared to his peers in Europe’s secondary club competition, Fofana not only ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05) per 90, but the winger also ranked in the top 1% for both progressive carries (7.88) and for touches in the opposition penalty area (8.23) per 90 for Lyon.
These statistics prove that he is among one of the finest young wingers on the continent, hence why so many clubs are keen on signing him.
malick-fofana-lyon
Ndiaye has shown that there is plenty of value to be had in France, impressing at the Toffees since making his switch from Ligue 1 last year.
Fofana is certainly a bigger talent than the current Everton star, especially as he has plenty of years left before he hits his peak.
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