Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Everton could be on high alert as January 'target' set to be free agent in the summer

Lyon striker Moussa Dembele will "definitely leave" the Ligue 1 side at the end of the season amid Everton links according to a report.

The Blues were heavily linked with the former Celtic goal-getter during the January transfer window as they made a late scramble to bolster their forward ranks. Ultimately, their efforts to sign a striker were in vain as they saw speculated approaches for Viktor Gyokeres, the aforementioned Frenchman, Beto and others rebuffed.

Sean Dyche, who arrived on the eve of the winter deadline, has had his hands tied in terms of selection options for the remainder of the season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been sidelined with ongoing injury troubles leaving Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms - the latter opening his account in Saturday's draw with Chelsea.

READ MORE: Inside story of Simms rise as coach shares hidden talent Everton can exploit

READ MORE: Sean Dyche to consider next step for Dele, Doucoure and five other Everton players

According to Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, the 26-year-old will not extend with the France giants at the end of the season thus becoming available on a free transfer.

In a tweet, he said: "News Moussa #Dembele: Understand he will definitely leave Lyon in summer. No contract extension. The striker has a market in [England, Germany and Italy]. The Bundesliga is very interesting for the 26 y/o striker! Salary now: Around €3m gross/year. Free agent to watch!"

In a report from Football Insider in January, they claimed that the Blues failed in a bid to sign Dembele due to the financial restraints they faced. They claimed that the French outlet did not want to let him leave on loan and the forward was happy to run his contract down to see what offers were available.

And in recent weeks, the forward has struggled for form which had led to criticism from fractions of the Lyon fans. However, manager Laurent Blanc has insisted that he still trusts the player.

He said: "Things are not easy, especially in the offensive field which is sometimes very surprising. For a while, he didn't score in clear situations. But we must not just let go, and it's our job to improve him."

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.