Everton are reportedly closing in on a deal for Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour.
Aymen Abdennour of Valencia challenges Cristiano Ronaldo
According to Valencia-based Deporte Valenciano, Everton are close to agreeing a deal for Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour – which may bring an end to their pursuit of Lamine Kone.
The Toffees added one new centre back this week as Ashley Williams replaced John Stones following his move to Manchester City, but new manager Ronald Koeman may yet want to strengthen his defence further before this month’s transfer deadline.
The Guardian report that Everton have bid £17m for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, and the player himself has submitted a transfer request in order to force a move – but the Toffees may have eyed up possible alternatives to the Ivorian.
Valencia-based Deporte Valenciano report that Everton have held two days of talks with Valencia, as they pursue a deal to sign defender Aymen Abdennour.
Abdennour, 27, signed for Valencia last summer having starred in France with Monaco, becoming one of the top defenders in Ligue 1 during his time at the Stade Louis II.
The Tunisian star, who has 44 caps for his country, impressed with his pace and power at Monaco, but his time at Valencia was a little shakier, making just 22 league starts from a possible 38 games.
Now, despite doubts over fellow Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi’s future, it’s claimed that the Spanish giants have held talks with Everton over the last two days about a deal to send Abdennour to Goodison Park – and an agreement is expected this weekend.
This may just be a case of Everton teeing up a deal in case they can’t land Kone from Sunderland, as there’s surely no way Koeman signs both players – but either way, it seems that Everton will be landing a new defender soon, it just remains to be seen whether it’s Abdennour or Kone.
Would you rather see Everton sign Abdennour or Kone?
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