Everton defender Niels Nkounkou is reportedly attracting major transfer interest ahead of the summer window, with the 22-year-old fullback starring for Saint-Etienne out on loan.
According to Foot-Sur7, the French youth international is wanted by ‘big clubs’ following on from an incredible few months in Ligue 2, with Nkounkou bagging two goals and six assists in just 11 appearances for the former Ligue 1 giants.
Nkounkou has not played a minute for Everton’s senior team since 2021 and has been on three different loan spells in the process, with the youngster at Cardiff City at the start of this season before moving back home to France to play for Saint-Etienne.
However, as stated, the defender has impressed greatly for Les Verts since joining in January, and the Everton talent now finds himself wanted by some top clubs, who they are, though, remains unknown, though a safe bet would be some teams in Ligue 1.
Indeed, Nkounkou has been regarded as a top fullback talent for quite some time, though with the defender playing a more advanced role with Saint-Etienne this season in a 3-5-2 formation, a future as a winger could now be on the cards for the 22-year-old.
As for Everton, this news that top sides are interested in Nkounkou will be music to Sean Dyche’s ears, with the Toffees likely to cash in on the youngster this summer as the English coach looks to rebuild the Goodison Park side if they can remain in the Premier League.
Everton must sell Nkounkou when his stock is at its highest
Nkounkou has had an unusual career since joining Everton in 2020, with the defender yet to make that jump to senior football that many expected. That is, until, this season, and the Toffees would be wise to allow the defender to leave for good whilst also recouping a decent profit.
Whilst we don’t know who is interested in Nkounkou, there’s a good chance that French clubs aiming for Europe are the ones chasing the youngster, and for Everton, this summer will be the perfect chance to cash in on the 22-year-old given his incredible form this year for Saint-Etienne.
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