Djibril Sidibe could help Everton complete a superb £14m signing this summer

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The Everton faithful may be taking a keen interest in where Djibril Sidibe ends up between now and the end of August.

Not that the Monaco defender is in line for a return to Goodison Park, of course. That ship sailed a long time ago and is now merely a shimmering speck on the distant horizon.

Everton had the chance to sign Sidibe for around £13 million last summer and turned it down. Following a rather hit-and-miss loan spell on the blue half of Merseyside, few felt that the France international was worth the money.

The same, however, cannot be said about Denzel Dumfries, the PSV Eindhoven captain who enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a series of stand-out performances – not to mention a couple of goals – during an otherwise disappointing Euro 2020 campaign for Frank de Boer’s Netherlands.

Dumfries appears to have emerged as Marcel Brands’ number one target as the former PSV chief looks to bring a new right-back to Everton before the transfer window closes.

Talks are underway, with the human bullet train understood to be valued at around £14 million by the Eredivisie runners-up. 

Will Everton have Sidibe to thank if Denzel Dumfries joins?

So where does Sidibe come into all this. Well, let us explain.

As it stands, Inter Milan appear to be Everton’s biggest rivals for Dumfries.

The Serie A champions have made a new right-sided defender their top priority, after the club’s financial problems forced them to accept a £60 million bid from PSG for Achraf Hakimi, and the rampaging Rotterdammer ticks a lot of boxes (Calciomercato).

But those very same financial problems could also see Inter’s pursuit of Dumfries hit the buffers.

Valued at £6 million, with just one year left on his contract, Sidibe represents a more affordable option for a club under pressure to scrimp and save; even if he lacks the Dutchman’s youth, speed and relentless intensity (FootMercato).

Sidibe might have struggled to live up to expectations during his short stay on Merseyside, but he could still do his old employers a favour before the bell tolls on September 1.