Everton close in on exciting double deal

I will wait till I see them in the shirt before I get excited.

Fofana will be harder to land as apparently he wants CL football. Really good player though so fingers crossed.

Aznou sounds like it’s almost done and could be a massive bargain at £8m. Excellent prospect who is a brilliant dribbler but also decent defensively. Unlikely to push Mykolenko for his position straight away but could develop into a really top class LB in a few years. More like this please!

Agree with Paul, I’ll wait for the medical especially for Fofana, but encouraged to be linked with younger stars.

OMG if we get these two this will be a HUGE statement of intent. Both have very high ceilings. This is the kind of recruitment I was hoping to see - buying wonderkids but ready to make an impact and could go on to become world beaters. More like this Everton!

Aznou plays for Morocco so probably another one we'd lose to the African Nations in January for a month or so.

Better to wait till the signing email from the club hits your inbox. Can't be good for your health, getting wound up because some random guesswork Internet site is 'linking' us with players.

Agreed, this is exciting stuff.

PT, I understand your hesitancy, but the New York Times isn't exactly a random clickbait site. It's okay to smile just a bit, my friend!

Liam #5, Aznou hasn't really broken through into Morocco's side yet -- only started two games, both against minnows Lesotho -- and there isn't another AFCON until 2027, so let's not worry about that just yet.

Mike, I think the next AFCON is 21st December this year until 18th January next year. However, the AFCON in 2027 is to be held during June and July, so no club should be affected by that.

Yes Liam,

Born in Barcelona to Moroccan parents. He did represent Spain at youth level, but switched to Morocco and has now represented the senior team, but not very often.

I think Sunderland have signed 5 African players this season!!

Mike, I regard Paddy Boyland as a reliable source. It's all the other nonsense, and the toy-throwing that follows it on here, that bemuses me.

There's plenty of smiling in this house!

It’s not done until it’s done

Fofana looks exciting but a) slightly raw and b) seems to do his best work from the left

Would LOVE him and Kubo (which is very unlikely I know)

Me too, PT. Big grin. Even Boyland has been occasionally sneered at here, but to the best of my recollection he hasn't been wrong yet.

Rob #8, thanks for the correction. As always!

Sometimes even seeing them on the pitch at Goodison with the manager and chairman isn't even a guarantee that the transfer has gone through...remember Kanchelskis back in '95?

Although that transfer did eventually go through, it was a nervy couple of weeks for my then 14 yr old self! A truly great player, and the last time we signed a top class player in the Peak of his career.

Back on topic, these lads are exactly what we need to be signing, for the reasons others have already mentioned.

I was starting to worry but now I'm excited again, if we get these two done by early next week that means we've brought in 5 players this window with still a month of the transfer window remaining.

Funny how you can get excited over transfers that haven't even happened yet, especially when it involves two players you've never even seen play!

Aznou is a left back and Fofana sees himself as a left winger, where he has played most of his football.

Both look like exciting additions, but have they found a way to give Hill- Dicko 2 left sides to the pitch, instead of a left and right one?

It depends if the player sees himself like that John @14, or he's played there.

It's the inverted winger thing that modern coaches like to use and another term I have to learn, although this one is a bit easier to understand. A wide attacking midfielder who cuts in to create chances or take a shot.

We done it last season with Ndiaye and latterly, when fit, McNeil. Ndiaye's preferred foot is his right, but he's a bit more two footed.

Exciting player. But does he play on the right? We need someone who is an out and out right winger. If we get Fofana and Kubo we will be an exciting team to watch. I wonder where will ndiaye play?

Mihir@16

Taking turns with Charly as a 10 just behind our cool new striker Mihir.

Fofana hasn’t usually played on the right. Though I reckon he could. Really talented player who will probably end up at a CL club but let’s see. Paul Joyce said we’re after more than one winger.

Perhaps the 9 players are:

Aznou
Fofana
Kubo
Mcatee
Douglas Luiz
Guela Doue

And then 3 on loan to fill in gaps. Imagine!

Joykiller Alan Myers says Fofana is only at the enquiry stage.

Sam, how I wish someone could make that list happen.

Danny #15

Fofana in the Echo:

"I prefer to play on the left," he said. "I started on that side, even though at Gent I played more on the right.

His YouTube 'wonder' clip has most of his success on the left.

This is why I am not getting too worried about our summer window. The profile of the players we are very credibly linked with is good. Like Barry and Alcaraz before them, the links are generally to players with decent experience of a top 5 European League - who could each form part of our First XI for 5 to 10 years. That is proper long term thinking of the kind that Moyes and Martinez used in building up different high quality (albeit small) squads. We haven't really seen that kind of thinking since, although Thelwell operated along those lines albeit under extreme financial constraints. Which is why we haven't finished higher than 8th since they both left.

16 goal involvements last season, and he's not Gareth bale or Andrei kanchelskis 😉.

I would us to sign one, just one, player who is not one for the future. Not someone with a resale value; just a slightly better than average player who can start in the opening game of the season and make us a tiny bit better.

You don't think young players like Alcaraz and Barry make us better, Andy?

I’ll wait until I can put my fingers through his crucified hands to believe it

Someone’s been browsing the Peoples Forum…

Looks like Moyes wants to move Ndiaye centrally if we're trying hard to sign Fofana.

Please God...make this double happen for us Blues! 🙏

It looks that way, Gavin, although I wonder whether the club is just looking to sign more quality / variety in the final third. If we do get Fofana, then I think we'll also get someone (probably left footed) for the right wing. Hopefully not Harrison!

The Twitter rumours for Fofana seem to be a bit more negative than they were a few hours ago

Imagine if we sign Fofana and McAtee!!

Wow

Gibbs-White is staying at Forest so that could boost us as both have been linked to Forest

Do we need both Ryan if signing Fofana would push N'Dyiae central and Alcaraz and McNeil to the bench.

Ryan, but now the Gibbs-White suitors may add more competition to the Fofana and McAtee signings.

Oh, and Moyes needs to change his style of play also.

Agree Ryan, signing Fofana would be exciting.

I understand about tougher negotiations, but we have known the required signing for months. Good on David Moyes for sending repeated messages to TFG over the last few days.

If there is a £4M gap for Fofana, pay it and move on. I would also like to see Kubo brought in on the right.

Not sure about that Andrew @32.

All opinions, but there is no reason Ndiaye, Fofana (if signed) and Alcaraz in the same team. I think it's McNeil who makes way.

The other factor is that, regardless of everyone's preferred or predicted first 11, the chances of that being available every week and every match throughout the season are very slim.

Andy #23,

Be careful what you wish for.

Over 25: too old, no resale value, Journeyman, wages to high etc etc.

[I agree with you totally, by the way.]

Andrew #32,

Isn't that exactly what we need? If good players are moving to the bench, it means we are bringing in better players and improving our overall squad strength.

Does David Moyes know how his left from his right?

Someone please tell our learned manager that we need a right-winger and right-back!!!! These two are left-footed, not right-footed! Is it me, being stupid, or am I right?

Sounds like Moyes doesn't know his arse from his elbow.

Where is Aznou going to play? West Brom, maybe Birmingham? Because he won't replace Mykolenko. We need ready-to-go squad members, not 19-year-olds who haven't played five games and have been sent out on loan.

According to Sky Sports, Lyon winger Malick Fofana “has other plans” that may mean Everton miss out on his signature. Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri. So he ain't coming, which is good, because we need a right-winger!

Which is where I came in.

Robert @ 24, I absolutely agree. However, do you think Barry will start in our opening game?

I have an uneaten hat and, if Barry starts before a fit Beto, I will eat it.

Not sure about Alcaraz. If he starts, I will eat the feather on it.

Kieran.

"I'll wait until I can put my fingers through his crucified hands"?

I don't get that. I guess your referring to Jesus? I can only say weird as fuck to your post. Care to explain, or did you use your book of offensive comments to come up with that one?

Paul (42),

I think Kieran is referring to Doubting Thomas who was a disciple of Jesus.

Dave, dosn't matter, I as others find it offensive and not needed. And Thomas put his hand in the wound in the side of Jesus, not his hands.

Surely a more appropriate reason for not believing something, could be used. When pigs fly, pink elephants, newspaper taxies. Anyway, we don't need a left fullback, and we don't need a left winger, right???😁

Geoff @ 39, absolutely.

Danny @ 36,

My comment depends on another new recruit to play on the right.

Either Ndiaye or Fofana can do both sides, Andrew.

I know he's quoted his preference is left, but both he and Ndiaye can play both sides.

Paul K, I would imagine Aznou will play for Everton. He will be back up to Mykolenko and get his chances. He's had very few at Bayern.

We're not signing Fofana so what does it matter where he can or does play?

A new left-back will provide good competition for Mykolenko. Barry leading the line and Ndiaye behind him along with Malick Fofana and Kubo or McAtee on right wing.

Sign a decent right-back, eg, Zeki Celik from Roma and Douglas Luiz as a center midfielder. Then we will have a squad capable of achieving at least a Europa League spot. Dreaming the same, hope we achieve something substantial.

Andy # 41, no I don't think Barry will start ahead of Beto initially. The latter knows the league, knows the squad and is a goal threat (albeit with plenty of flaws).

But he remains a player for the here and now, as too Alcaraz. It just so happens both have plenty of room for improvement and can occupy their positions in our side for 5 to 10 years.

I guess you're saying (I think) that you'd like a player like Gibbs-White, Eze, Wissa or Bowen. Don't get me wrong, I would too. But we can't afford any of those players and, in any case, Wissa could well be a flash in the pan.

Unfortunately, the more established players we can afford tend to have something wrong with them or just aren't that good. The exceptions tend to be the really cheap or free ones like Townsend, Barry, Tarkowski and Gueye.

So, personally, I'd rather build the squad up with older, lower-cost steady eddies - and really high-potential younger players.

According to a release by Forest on one of their Social Media pages, and now website, Gibbs-White is signing a new 3-year contract at the City Ground.

Andy @ 41,

If it's a Pork Pie Hat ,you should be okay! :-)

Just watch the other shower sell Diaz and get Fofana.

Unless someone does an outstanding job of selling Everton to Fofana, he isn't coming to Everton.

Why don't we get these players' agents on board before making fanciful enquiries?

I remain cynical and thoroughly depressed.

Wow, Ian @ 22

You dug yourself into a deep hole on the other thread by insisting we should sign someone with 15-20 Premier League goal contributions.

Now you seem to be gloating over this lad despite the player having one more goal contribution in the Mickey Mouse League than fucking Neal Maupay — despite playing 7 more games than him.

This lad however does look promising and reminds me of a little bit of Mitoma at Brighton in the way he plays, so let's hope if we get him, he can make a similar impact and take the step up in his stride.

I don't care that he plays on the left if the hype around him proves justified. I would imagine if he comes through the door following Barry, that other targets will see that TFG are putting their money where their mouth is and their project will be an easier sell to others that we may approach.

Other teams seem to sign players that can get 15-20 goal involvements without the need to sign from a Premier League rival for £50M.

That's what I said, Conor.

I never said anything about signing a player with 15-20 goal contributions in the Premier League. Because I've always thought there is usually better value overseas for our situation.

Fofana could well get 15-20 goal contributions for sub £35M based on what he's produced.

The fact Ndiaye got 9 in 27 equivalent, from a Mickey Mouse league, playing half the season under Dyche highlights it's possible. He should be looking for 15-20 this season under Moyes (sub £50M).

Calling the French league a Mickey Mouse league, when they produce great players, is a hole I wouldn't dig...

Strange Ian that in your putting down of Dibling you mentioned that he had only 3 goal involvements and 6 yellow cards in what amounted to 20 games in terms of minutes played.

Considering Dibling had 4 more goal involvements in the cups, taking his tally to 7 in just over half a season, then there is every reason to believe he could get 15 with a further year of Premier League experience and development and playing a full season.

Looks like Dibling is well on his way to meeting your new target without needing much improvement afterall.

Good try at circling back... keep digging.

On the pitch for 20 games equivalent, 6 yellows and just 2 goals. It would be big money for potential.

That's what I said, and I stand by it for his Premier League stats He had 6 goal involvements in total. You came out with Mickey Mouse league. The below are hardly against big guns...

Ipswich Town – Premier League goal
Crystal Palace – Premier League goal
Swansea – 2 FA Cup goals
Cardiff – 2 assists in the League Cup

He's a couple of years away from 15-20 goal involvements in the Premier League based on that, in my opinion. And as I've said, we need someone around 23 that is ready to pop and can deliver in the here and now.

Paul #69

Seamus Coleman...overpaid... probably

Prima donna... ???

Have a word...

I enjoy woman's football and England doing well. Often take my son to women's football as the atmosphere is a lot more friendly and the language in the stands is more kid-friendly. Plus it's affordable.

The standard has improved a lot and there's usually more chances to enjoy.

I reckon Spain's Bonmati would do a decent job for us in the middle!

Back on thread, my first X notification of the day was reporting that Bayern's interest in Fofana was never concrete, as they switch to other targets (Douglas Luiz).

Everton still negotiating.

Both of these prospects would be great additions. But if as expected it's only left-back Adam Aznou and not Lyon winger Malick Fofana, I'd still be happy.

Adam Aznou has the skill set to be pushed further up field too so covering two potential positions. He looks a really good purchase especially for that price! 👌

Is the Fofana deal dead and buried then?

Depends on what you read and who you believe, Andrew. The ones I trust are suggesting we remain in negotiations with Lyon after having an initial bid rejected and that we seem closer with the player on personal terms.

Ultimately, none of the reports are cast iron. Some are just a bit closer than others.

Another is suggesting that Luiz is pushing for a move to Everton, suggesting we only want him on loan. I'll treat that one with a very small pinch of salt.

Andrew (93),

I saw Fofana on YouTube and I'll be amazed if we sign him but absolutely delighted if we do!

Danny, we can negotiate with Lyon as much as we like but, if the player and his agent thinks they can do better, we'd be better off moving on elsewhere.

Bournemouth, Brighton et all have climbed the league by having a smart transfer policy. Everton went the other way, overpaying (mainly) for a few players and putting them on big wages.

If we're stuck buying players, it's because the policy hasn't changed. We need bodies first and foremost. There are plenty of players out there who would come.

We shouldn't be looking at £30-40M signings as we don't have £300-400M to spend. Anyone with a brain cell could see this playing out and Moyes is obviously frustrated but putting out to the wider market we need 10 players a few weeks before the season starts puts us once again on the back foot.

The question is really what the fuck is going on and why is the club so poor in the market? Every other club is able to get stuff done with minimal fuss. Forest signed 2x teams worth, gambled, and should have got a Champions League place.

Everton do the same fucking every year and have done for 20+ years. Even in the “good days” with Moyes, it was an absolute struggle for 75% of the season. When we got the highest ever points for 5th place (Everton that!) with Martinez, he said we needed 7 players to push on. We signed nothing except making loans permanent and went backwards.

Unless something changes drastically – it won't – then we'll be chasing our tails again all season long with hoping the promoted teams are shite.

Sort of what I said, Andrew.

I'm cautious with what I read and believe.

It could be we are in talks. It could be the agent is using it to barter with other interested clubs, and there will be a few.

We'll only know when he rejects, we can't agree a fee or structure with Lyon, or, if he signs for Everton.

We simply don't know what is going on.

Some unreliable sources reporting our bid has been rejected, and his agent saying he's not interested in coming to Everton.

Hopefully we aren't putting all our eggs in one basket...