Everton are yet to make an offer for Venezia midfielder Issa Doumbia, with Sporting Club de Portugal looking to take advantage of that fact.
Record and A Bola both report on the defender today. The two newspapers say that Sporting are moving to secure the 22-year-old before the Premier League can strike.
Everton interest in Doumbia
Record state that Sporting have ‘gained urgency’ in closing the signing of the Venezia star. The Lions are aware of the existence of competitors, mainly from England. Thus, they want to secure the signing as soon as possible.
However, this is proving to be difficult because Venezia want to capitalise on the fact that there are several interested parties.
The Italians are aware that Issa Doumbia is also being targeted by Newcastle, Everton and Brentford. They want to use that to help them to ‘fill their coffers with the largest possible amount’.
Doumbia, for his part, would be keen on the move to Sporting. He wants to follow in the footsteps of several players who have developed at the club and then secured big moves in Europe.
Toffees need to move soon
A Bola say similar. According to their information, Issa Doumbia is a priority for Sporting this summer.
New negotiations for him are set to take place in the coming days. However, his initial €15m asking price is set to rise thanks to interest from England.
According to the newspaper, Everton and Newcastle are both providing ‘strong competition’ for the midfielder. Their interest could push his valuation closer to €20m this summer. Neither side have opened negotiations with Venezia yet, though.
That gives Sporting an advantage that they are seeking to take advantage of. They’ve already opened talks and have a five-year deal waiting for the midfielder to sign. He’s also convinced on the move to Portugal.
But the Premier League is also keen and might be able to tempt him away. Everton and the others first need to make an offer, though.