According to The London Evening Standard, Everton have had a bid rejected for Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
It’s claimed that Everton have made an opening offer, but it has fallen short of Watford’s asking price for the Frenchman.
Watford will let Doucoure go, but they want a fee of around £25million in order to let him make the move to Goodison Park.
Personal terms are not thought to be a problem, as Doucoure is ready to make the move to Merseyside this summer.
Everton have wanted the 27-year-old for some time, and may feel the time is right after Watford’s relegation.
Doucoure hit four goals and two assists last season, and would certainly provide the energy that Carlo Ancelotti wants in midfield.

Doucoure can get up and down the pitch, and is just as dangerous breaking forward as he is willing to get stuck in.
With Doucoure keen on the move, Everton just need to raise their bid – but with Doucoure turning 28 this coming January, they won’t want to spend big money.

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