Everton are after a centre-back this summer before the end of the window.
The Toffees are desperate to add a new centre-back to their squad before Thursday’s 5pm deadline, as Marco Silva remains light at centre-back ahead of the new Premier League season.
It is believed that Everton had opened discussions over a move for 26-year-old Soumaoro, who only managed 14 Ligue 1 appearances last season due to a long-term ankle injury.
But they have suffered a blow in their move for the uncapped Frenchman, with Soumaoro keen on remaining with Lille this summer and ignoring a move to Goodison Park.
Everton have been reasonably busy this summer, completing a huge £50million move to sign Richarlison while Lucas Digne has solved the club’s left-back woes by joining from Barcelona. Goalkeeper Joao Virginia has also joined the club.
Brazilian playmaker Bernard is also said to be closing in on a move to Everton, but the concern at centre-back remains after Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori left to join Stoke City and Villarreal respectively.
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