Everton reportedly lead Doumbia race after Sunday scouting links
Everton are reportedly leading the race to sign BK Häcken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, according to a new claim about the Blues’ position among the clubs interested in the 19-year-old.
On Sunday, Read Everton reported that the club had been scouting Doumbia alongside Celtic, Sunderland and Coventry City.
A subsequent report from Football Insider has gone further, claiming Everton are ahead of Sunderland and Coventry in the pursuit of the Ivory Coast midfielder.
Football Insider claims Everton lead English rivals
Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke reported on Sunday afternoon that Everton lead the three English clubs interested in Doumbia, with Celtic and several European sides also monitoring his progress. The report follows the original scouting claims made by Africafoot, which identified Everton among a number of clubs watching the youngster in Sweden.
Doumbia joined Häcken from ASEC Mimosas in January and has impressed in a deeper midfield role. Football Insider credits him with 27 appearances, two goals and three assists in all competitions this season. His contract runs until 2030, meaning Häcken are under no immediate pressure to sell.
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No Everton bid reported
Although Football Insider’s assessment puts Everton ahead of their English rivals, there has been no confirmed offer or indication that formal negotiations have begun. Häcken sporting director Erik Friberg has acknowledged interest in Doumbia but indicated that nothing concrete has materialised.
Everton manager David Moyes has also played down the prospect of January recruitment. Asked about the club’s plans before last week’s victory over Coventry City, he said: “No. At the moment, there’s no plans for January, no.”
That does not prevent Everton from continuing to scout potential additions, but it remains unclear whether the club intend to pursue Doumbia during the winter window. The latest report therefore represents a stronger claim about Everton’s position than Sunday’s scouting story, rather than confirmation that a transfer is close.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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