French outlet Media Foot report that West Ham and Everton are working ‘behind the scenes’ to strike a deal for Lorient ace Dango Ouattara this month – with the Burkina Faso international likely to cost interested clubs more than £9m.
Ouattara, 20, came into the season as pretty much of an unknown. In 26 senior appearances for Lorient, he had scored one goal and laid on two assists. But this term, he has taken his form to a whole new level, in his 17 outings in 22-23.
Indeed, Ouattara has had a hand in 12 goals in those 17 games – scoring six, and creating six. That form is attracting interest from Premier League clubs, especially with Ouattara entering the final 18 months of his current Lorient deal.
West Ham and Everton are said to be the two clubs leading the charge. Both are working behind the scenes to get a deal done for the Ligue 1 talent – with a fee north of £9million required to land his signature. Both are ‘salivating’.
West Ham and Everton working behind scenes to strike Ouattara deal
Ouattara is one of those deals that can go under the radar, but go on to be a wonderful bit of business. The African star is young and full of potential, and if given the right platform, he can shine. A low-risk signing, at a cheap fee.
Which move would be best for him – West Ham or Everton? Well, Ouattara needs game time. At Everton, he would certainly get that – with Frank Lampard’s side lacking in options on the flanks. But he is likely to be on the bench.
The same at West Ham, who do have more options out wide. However, with West Ham still in the Conference League, there would be more rotation and that could give Ouattara that much-needed platform to go, show what he can do.
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