Everton have reportedly failed with a bid for Atalanta’s Franck Kessie.
According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have failed with a £15million bid for Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie.
Kessie, 20, was on the books with Stella Club in his native Ivory Coast before joining Atalanta in the summer of 2015, but he spent all of last season on loan at Cesena.
With four goals in 38 games, Kessie impressed in Serie B, and he was duly given a chance in the Atalanta first-team – an opportunity he has certainly taken.
Franck Kessie in action for Atalanta challenging Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain
Kessie has hit seven goals and one assist in just 20 appearances this season, and his displays in Serie A are now triggering interest, with Everton seemingly keen to lure him to the Premier League.
Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Everton have offered £15million to sign Kessie during this month’s transfer window – but Atalanta quickly rejected their bid as they aim to keep him out of the clutches of English clubs.
General view inside Goodison Park
Everton may be on the verge of signing Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin in a £22million deal (The Telegraph), but that doesn’t mean that manager Ronald Koeman has stopped looking for further midfield reinforcements.
With Gareth Barry almost 36 and Tom Cleverley appearing to have little future under Koeman, Everton could yet bring in another midfielder to compete with Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye.
Kessie, who can also play at centre back, fits the bill. He’s strong and athletic, can read the game like Gueye in front of the back four, but also has the ability to make a real difference going forward, as he’s shown this season.
A true box-to-box midfielder, Kessie appears to have a huge future ahead of him, though with Chelsea also keen, Everton may have to considerably increase their bid for the young midfielder – and quickly.
Would you like to see Everton make another bid for Kessie?
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