The Athletic report that Everton have seen a late £8million bid rejected for Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker despite the Belgian remaining out of contract at the end of the season – and dropping out of the starting XI.
Dendoncker, 27, has been an ever-present part of the Wolves side since initially joining the club on loan from Anderlecht in 2018. Since then, he has clocked up 159 outings for Wolves in all competitions – defence or midfield.
But having signed permanently in 2019, the 29-time Belgium international is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal. Everton have chanced their arm, in what seems to be a two-way fight between themselves and Paris Saint-Germain.
Now, Frank Lampard’s side have made an offer. In their bid to raid Wolves for a second time this season – after landing Conor Coady on loan – they tabled an £8million bid. However, it has been rejected by Wolves – despite his contract.
Everton bid rejected for Dendoncker, but surely he will want move?
Dendoncker is one of those players that fills the category of being on the fringes of the national squad. With the World Cup coming this winter, Dendoncker will want regular game time to impress ex-Toffees manager Roberto Martinez.
But since the signing of Matheus Nunes, a club-record addition from Sporting Lisbon, Dendoncker has been ousted to the bench. Starting against Leeds, Fulham and Preston – he has been on the bench in the last two, replaced by Nunes.
It will be a cause for concern for Dendoncker, and place his Belgium hopes in jeopardy. A move to Everton, who are lacking in midfield, would have given him the perfect opportunity. Not least, because it is Martinez’s old side.
A player that Coady, his old Wolves teammate, once described as “fantastic”. Surely, Everton have to come back in with a second offer to tempt Wolves into a late sale – given it is something the player will surely favour?
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