Agents working for Abdoulaye Doucoure have now offered Besiktas the free transfer of the Everton ace. But manager Senol Gunes currently favours moves for two alternative targets.
That is according to Fotospor, which reports that Everton do not plan on giving Doucoure a new contract. The Toffees have the option to extend the 30-year-old’s existing terms by 12 months. But Goodison Park chiefs have now told his agents they will not trigger the clause.
Everton are set to see Doucoure reach the end of his current deal in June having given him a three-year contract to join from Watford in 2020. The two-cap Mali international proved to be an important presence over his first two seasons. But he then fell out of favour this term.
Agents have offered Abdoulaye Doucoure to Besiktas in a free transfer
Frank Lampard cast Doucoure aside during his time at the helm on Merseyside earlier this season. Sean Dyche has since recalled the Toffees’ £20m arrival to a leading role since the coach took over. But Doucoure has not convinced Everton that he warrants a new contract.
So, the midfielder’s agents have contacted Besiktas to discuss a free transfer from Everton for Doucoure. The Super Lig side are already establishing plans for the summer market and intend to strengthen their engine room. But Gunes does not consider him to be a priority.
Instead, Gunes would prefer Besiktas sign Ozan Tufan from Hull City or raid Fenerbahce for Miha Zajc. But should the Black Eagles boss have a change of heart, Doucoure would move to Vodafone Park for free. He would also reunite with Cenk Tosun after he joined last July.
Why are Everton not giving the midfielder a new contract?
Doucoure’s agents contacted Besiktas to try and secure the midfielder a free transfer with Everton deciding against handing him a new contract. He nearly left Goodison during the January window, as well. But he told Sky Sports that ‘I never wanted to leave’ the Toffees.
Reports by 90min had credited Fulham and Watford with interest in Doucoure’s transfer in the mid-season sales. But the Cottagers asked Everton to pay more than half of his £120k-a-week salary. While the Hornets targeted a loan with an obligation to buy on promotion.
Everton were open to letting Doucoure leave as Lampard made the Mali international train on his own, per the Daily Mail. Yet after starting two of his 10 Premier League appearances under Lampard, Doucoure has opened all seven of Dyche’s top-flight fixtures in charge yet.
Doucoure, who Tony Cascarino has called ‘terrific’, has also offered a goal and an assist in his outings under Dyche. The France-born enforcer’s efforts helped to claim a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest. He also created Dwight McNeil’s early goal as they beat Brentford 1-0.
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