Exclusive: Everton ‘confident’ of beating Wolves to signing of Ligue 1 star
Everton and Wolves will go toe-to-toe in pursuit of a cut-price deal for Auxerre defender Clement Akpa this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
David Moyes has cast his net wide when it comes to centre-back targets on Merseyside, with Michael Keane one of several-first team players set to leave Everton when his contract expires at season’s end.
Versatility is set to be a key factor in Moyes’ quest to bolster his defensive line, and Football Insider revealed on 21 April that Lens’ left-sided centre-back Facundo Medina will be available for £30million.
However, sources have told Football Insider that due to the financial difficulties faced by French football amid the collapse of Ligue 1’s TV deal, both Everton and Wolves have been alerted to Akpa’s availibility.
As a result of clubs like Auxerre potentially being forced to sell multiple players this summer, sources have told Football Insider that Everton are “pretty confident” they can beat Wolves to Akpa’s signature.
The 23-year-old Ivorian operates at centre-back and left-back for Auxerre, and with France set to be the source of cut-price transfer aplenty due to Ligue 1’s financial strains, he could be bought at a brain.
Clement Akpa profile the perfect transfer for new-look Everton
With 28 appearances and once assist for a small club who have overachieved in Ligue 1 this season, Football Insider sources see the versatile Akpa as an ideal fit for Moyes’ rebuilt Everton defence.
Moyes is a fan of defenders who can play in multiple positions, and sources have told Football Insider that with Everton on the hunt for left-back cover behind Vitalli Mykolenko, Akpa’s appeal is inarguable.
The twice-capped Ivory Coast international has also attracted interest from several German clubs, but Football Insider sources have said that the excitement of Everton’s “project” could turn Akpa’s head.
David Moyes makes Everton transfer priorities clear
With no sign of a new contract offer for Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite’s long-term future the subject of plenty of speculation on Merseyside, the summer overhaul of Everton’s defence is already in full focus.
Football Insider revealed on 20 April that Everton have already agreed a deal to sign John Dodds from Hearts, and several other more well-known names are likely to follow the 16-year-old through the doors.
Feyenoord’s David Hancko is another left-sided centre-back on Moyes’ radar, and regardless of whether Branthwaite stays or goes, it’s clear this area of the backline will be absolutely vital for Everton next term.