Everton target Memphis Depay is welcome to stay at Lyon for the long haul with sporting director Juninho admitting via Goal that he is desperate to keep hold of the Dutch international.
Three years after Ronald Koeman admitted that he had tried and failed to lure his compatriot to Goodison Park from Manchester United, a one-time Premier League flop is back on the Toffees’ radar.
Calciomercato reported this week that Everton are battling AC Milan for Depay’s signature.
And with Lyon likely to be hit harder than most by football’s financial crisis, after missing out on European football for the first time since 1997, Les Gones may have no choice but to sell their 14-goal talisman if a bid of £25 million arrives.
After all, Depay is out of contract next summer. £25 million is better than nothing.
Legendary playmaker-turned-sporting director Juninho is not giving up hope just yet, however, hoping to tie the explosive winger down to a new long-term contract.
“When you lose a big star due to injury a year and a half from the end of his contract, it’s a challenge,” Juninho admitted of a player not seen since December thanks to a cruciate ligament problem.
“Memphis is really important to us. We hope he’ll stay and we’ve started talks on an extension.
“He’s enjoyed being here and has taken the captain’s armband. He’s become a true leader. I hope we find a solution.”
Depay has never been the most consistent of footballers.
But a man who inspired PSV to Eredivisie glory in 2015 appeared to have added a much-needed ruthless streak to his game before the injury, netting five times in five Champions League group-stage matches while dragging Holland back up the FIFA rankings.
The prospect of an in-form Depay terrorising defenders alongside Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have Everton fans drooling.
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