Everton bid for Ivorian star knocked back by Atalanta

Lyndon Lloyd | Tuesday, 10 January 2017

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Atalanta have turned down an offer from Everton for Franck Kessié according to Sky Italy.

Reporters Gianluca DiMarzio and Fabrizio Romano claim that the Serie A side rejected a bid of of between €17m and €18m from the Blues for the Ivory Coast international who has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in Italy's top flight.

Kessié, who can operate in midfield or defence, has been the subject of speculation in the English press who have reported Chelsea's failure thus far to sign him for €21m — talks are said to be ongoing — but also credited the likes of Juventus, Arsenal, the two Manchester clubs and Liverpool with interest.

According to the 20-year-old's agent, George Atangana, Atalanta value the player at more than double what Everton are supposed to have offered but he admits that the focus is on the Africa Cup of Nations at the moment.

“We have a lot of interest from the Premier League — Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal,” he told The Guardian. “I cannot say at this stage how much he will cost but we are talking about one of the best young players in the world.

"But for us the most important thing is that the technical project is the right one for him. Franck is very young so we have to be very careful about his development.

“Chelsea are very interested and it is a great club but we must take our time to consider all the options. Now we are in January so he has to play at the African Cup of Nations for Ivory Coast so I am not going to rush anything.”