Everton target Abdoulaye Doucoure is staying with Watford.
Everton won’t be snapping up Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure this summer after the Hornets confirmed he has signed a new contract today.
The Toffees finally landed ex-Watford boss Marco Silva this summer after a lengthy pursuit of his services – one which led to the Portuguese boss being sacked by Watford in January.
Relations between the two clubs are far from great, given Watford’s ongoing complaint to the Premier League about Everton’s approaches for Silva, but they did strike a deal last month.
Silva returned to Vicarage Road in order to snap up Richarlison, as he reunited with the Brazilian winger in a big-money deal, with Watford making a huge profit on him.
Last month, RMC Sport in France reported that Everton made a €30million move to sign Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, another player who thrived under Silva last season.
However, Watford rejected that offer, and have now moved to end those rumours by confirming that Doucoure has signed a new five-year contract to stay at Vicarage Road.
After hitting seven goals in 37 games last season, Doucoure will be key for Watford this season, and they have made a smart move to tie him down to a new deal.
The 25-year-old’s value should only increase, and his new contract protects Watford from losing him to a bargain fee – and Everton’s hopes are now over.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
