Everton are interested in signing Kamaldeen Sulemana of Stade Rennais during the January transfer window. But the winger is not currently close to sealing a move to Goodison Park.
That is according to the Liverpool Echo, which reports Sulemana is one of several attacking options the Toffees are exploring. The Merseyside outfit are also not at an advanced stage with their interest in the 20-year-old. So, a deal is not imminent at this part of the window.
Blues boss Frank Lampard is yet to make any signings in January as he bids to pull the club clear of the relegation zone. Everton sit 19th in the Premier League table with 15 points in 19 games thanks greatly to the second-worst attack in the division with just 15 goals so far.
Only Anthony Gordon (3), Demarai Gray (3) and Dwight McNeil (2) have also scored more than one goal this season. So, Lampard wants Everton to sign attacking options during the January window and is also now exploring the transfer of young Rennes winger Sulemana.
The 15-cap Ghana international joined the Ligue 1 side from FC Nordsjaelland in July 2021 for £13m. He has since struck six goals and four assists in 45 appearances at Roazhon Park in all competitions. Yet Sulemana has only scored once and assisted two in 18 this season.
Everton are in talks with Stade Rennais over a loan-to-buy transfer for Sulemana
Nonetheless, despite Sulemana’s lacklustre record this term and only starting four fixtures, the Daily Mail reports Stade Rennais value the Everton transfer target at £40m. It also adds that the Toffees have held talks with his club, whose asking price put Newcastle United off.
Sulemana is open to leaving Roazhon Park, as well. But he is a target of AFC Bournemouth and Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, too. While Everton would need to sell players before the club can afford to pursue a permanent transfer. So, they would favour an initial loan move.
Goodison chiefs would need to turn either Conor Coady or Ruben Vinagre’s loan transfers permanent first, though. Premier League rules only permit two temporary signings at any one time. Everton have a £4.5m option to make Coady’s transfer from Wolves permanent.
Coady has certainly done enough to earn a full-time switch after taking Lampard’s defence to new heights with his leadership. While Sulemana might be a worthwhile signing after he clocked the fastest top speed at the 2022 World Cup during the group stage at 22.18 MPH.
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