Everton may have another shot at signing Thiago Mendes.
According to L’Equipe, Lille are already planning for the departures of a number of players ahead of the summer transfer window – including Thiago Mendes.
Christophe Galtier’s side have exceeded expectations in Ligue 1 this season, and are set for a return to the Champions League after hammering Nimes 5-0 earlier today.
Just as they did after winning the Ligue 1 title in 2011, Lille now expect to lose a host of players. Back then, it was Adil Rami, Yohan Cabaye and Gervinho.
This time, it’s expected to be Nicolas Pepe, and a host of others players. In fact, L’Equipe reporting that Lille are already preparing to lose Pepe, Adama Soumaoro, Zeki Celik and even midfielder Mendes.
Mendes, 27, has impressed for Lille since arriving from Sao Paulo in his native Brazil back in 2017, showing his energy as well as passing and tackling ability.
His displays have attracted interest, and La Voix Du Nord claimed in February that Lille had actually agreed to sell Mendes to Everton for €23million (£20million) in January.
Everton had allegedly lined up Mendes as a replacement for ex-Lille man Idrissa Gueye if he joined Paris Saint-Germain, but Gueye stayed, meaning a deal for Mendes was shelved.
Everton may now have another shot as Lille seemingly prepare for his exit, but at 27, he doesn’t exactly fit the Marcel Brands type, and Gueye may yet stay at Goodison Park a little longer anyway.
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