‘There are offers’: President says reported £18m Everton and Tottenham target could leave

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Reported Tottenham Hotspur and Everton target Zeki Celik could be on his way out of Lille but, as president Gerard Lopez told France Bleu, Mike Maignan is going nowhere.

As you might have noticed, there is just a week remaining in the transfer window.

And Lille fans everywhere will be counting down the hours, let alone the days, until close of business next Monday.

A club who have lost Nicolas Pepe, Gervinho, Eden Hazard and more to Premier League clubs are once again fielding offers from across the Channel for some of their most highly-rated prospects.

Take Celik, for example.

The Telegraph reported in July that Tottenham had identified the £18 million-rated Turkey international as a replacement for the eternally-unconvincing Serge Aurier at right-back, while Everton have also been in discussions (Turkish Football).

Former PSG youngster Maignan, meanwhile, has been identified by some at Spurs – particularly goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos – as a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris (La Voix du Nord).

“There are offers (for Celik) so anything is possible,” Lopez said, speaking with refreshing honesty about the ceaseless speculation before confirming that Maignan will not be going anywhere.

“No, (Maignan) will be here (next season).” 

Everton are willing to sell academy graduate Jonjoe Kenny for just £10 million over the next few days, with the Scouser’s departure potentially set to make room for Celik’s arrival the Sun, 27 September, page 61).

But, with Seamus Coleman rolling back the years during a superb start to the season, Celik would have his work cut out at Goodison Park.