Everton are in talks to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana.
The clubs remain in discussions over a transfer fee while Everton have sounded out the player’s camp over interest in the potential move.
The Athletic reported last month that Chelsea had made a verbal enquiry for the Belgium international as one of a number of options being considered by the London club.
Everton have already completed deals for forward Thierno Barry and goalkeeper Mark Travers this summer, while Carlos Alcaraz’s loan move has also been made permanent. The Athletic reported earlier on Saturday that the club are progressing in a move for Bayern Munich defender Adam Aznou.
Fofana joined Lyon from Belgian side Gent in January 2024 under a contract that lasts until June 2028.
Last season he registered five goals and four assists across 29 league appearances.
The 20-year-old also scored six in Lyon’s Europa League run to the quarter-finals that they lost 7-6 on aggregate to eventual finalists Manchester United.
Fofana came through the academy at Gent in his native Belgium, making his senior debut for the team in July 2022. He went on to play 64 games for the club, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists, before joining Lyon in January 2024 for a fee of €17million (£14.85m) plus €5m in potential bonuses. He has scored 15 goals in 62 appearances for the French side.
Fofana has made over 20 appearances at youth level for Belgium but made his debut in October 2024 to collect his only cap for the senior team so far.
(Photo: Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
