Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal appears to have played down reports suggesting Andre Gomes could leave Premier League outfit Everton for the Istanbul giants.
With the Turkish Super Lig’s own transfer window closing on Friday, the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester United have around 24 hours remaining if they still hope to find potential buyers for their out-of-favour players.
Players like Andre Gomes, for instance.
Despite impressing on loan at Lille last term – his performances labelled ‘magnificent’ by Les Dogues coach Paulo Fonseca – Gomes remains behind Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Garner in Sean Dyche’s pecking order.
Everton will not stand in his way either; TEAMtalk reporting that Fenerbahce are in ‘advanced talks’ over a £5 million deal for the Portugal international, who’s Goodison Park contract is due to expire in less than 12 months’ time.
Everton could sell Andre Gomes this week
But, when quizzed about his interest in the likes of Gomes, Leander Dendoncker and Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek, Kartal was keen to point out that he is not desperate to bring in midfield reinforcements before the deadline passes, highlighting the availability of the tough-tackling Miguel Crespo.
“We currently have Crespo for that position,” Kartal tells Sporx. “We don’t need to do it (sign another midfielder) just to make a transfer. This squad is enough for me.
“(But) we can make a more comprehensive study for quality names, and add them to our squad.”
Gomes joined Everton from Barcelona for a fee of £30 million back in 2019. The experienced ball-carrier has not played a single minute under Dyche this term. He was left out of the matchday squad entirety for each of the Toffees’ last three Premier League games.
Gomes out and Xeka in at Goodison Park
According to Spotrac, Gomes remains Everton’s highest earner too, on a reported £112,000-a-week.
Should the 30-year-old depart, his place could potentially be taken by fellow Iberian Xeka. The 2021 Ligue 1 champion – currently a free-agent – is allegedly under consideration by Everton, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Sheffield United (TEAMtalk).
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