‘Let’s see’: £13m Everton and West Ham target opens door for January exit

Follow us on Google Discover

Lille star Jonathan Ikone has told RMC Sport, via TuttoMercatoWEB, that he will consider leaving his Ligue 1 side soon, amid reported transfer interest from Everton and West Ham.

Ikone spoke to the media following Les Dogues’ Champions League win away to Wolfsburg on Wednesday night. The 3-1 victory ensured Lille top Group G ahead of Monday’s last 16 draw, with RB Salzburg advancing as runners-up.

Burak Yilmaz, Jonathan David and Angel Gomes fired the Stade Pierre Mauroy side’s goals in Germany. Ikone, meanwhile, assisted their first and third strikes, while Gomes fed David.

Ikone’s assists were his first of the season after 23 appearances in all competitions after an underwhelming term so far. He has also only scored twice, with the 23-year-old ending a run of 14 games without a goal by netting the winning effort away to Sevilla last month.

The winger had not scored since the opening day of the Ligue 1 season before netting in the Champions League. Yet despite Ikone’s lacklustre output, Everton and West Ham are among the clubs considering a mid-season transfer for the Frenchman.

Reports by Calciomercato after Lille’s win over Sevilla claimed Everton and West Ham like Ikone. Les Dogues then gave both a boost, as Foot Mercato noted they will put the winger up for sale to help address their debt, just months after turning down a €20m (£17m) bid.

However, their position seemingly caught Fiorentina’s eye, too. Fabrizio Romano noted this month the Serie A side have offered €15m (£12m) and have already agreed personal terms.

Lille ace Ikone addresses transfer talk, amid Everton and West Ham interest

Ikone has now addressed the speculation on a transfer away from Lille, amid interest from Everton and West Ham.

He has not ruled out leaving the Ligue 1 side, but put the focus on Lille’s win at Wolfsburg.

“For the moment, I’m here with them,” Ikone, who joined Lille for €5m (£4m) in 2018, said. “I’m concentrated here, then let’s see what the future holds for me.”