Report: £18m Wolves and Everton target won’t play for club again; January exit close

Reported Everton and Aston Villa target Mohamed Simakan has played his final game for Strasbourg ahead of an expected January exit, his agent told Sempre Milan.

The Toffees and the Villans have been as solid as a rock at the back for most of this season.

But, despite some granite-carved displays from the likes of Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Michael Keane, the Premier League duo have still allegedly made their interest known in the latest in a long line of highly-talented French centre-backs.

The £18 million-rated Simakan is about to leave Strasbourg and take a major step forward in his career, with clubs in England, Italy and Germany apparently interested.

• Reported Everton and Aston Villa target compared to Varane available for £18m
• Report: Knee injury means £18m Wolves and Everton target misses out on January move

TMW claims that Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on the Marseille-born 20-year-old. Simakan’s agent told Calciomercato in late-2020, meanwhile, that Aston Villa was another potential destination.

There had been reports suggesting Simakan had suffered a serious knee injury but, according to his representative, the reality is rather different.

The 6ft 2ins centre-back is fully fit but will not feature in this weekend’s clash with St Etienne as he closes in on a January departure.

AC Milan still appear to be in pole position, with technical director Paulo Maldini confessing his admiration for Simakan recently (Telefoot).

In other news, 'Not yet': Former Liverpool star says Klopp should delay decision about £90k-a-week man