Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - October 9, 2022. Everton manager Frank Lampard celebrates.
Everton have been handed a potential boost regarding rumoured transfer target Dango Ouattara, with the attacker’s contract talks at Lorient at a ‘standstill’ according to reports from France.
The Lowdown: Ouattara eyed by Everton
The Toffees suffered yet more Premier League misery on Saturday afternoon, losing 2-1 at home to fellow relegation contenders Southampton, despite taking the lead in the first half.
It was another defeat which highlighted the lack of quality in Frank Lampard‘s squad, although the manager himself is surely now under enormous pressure to keep his job.
New signings are badly needed in January and Ouattara has been linked with a move to Goodison Park, having registered 11 goal contributions (six goals, five assists) in 18 Ligue 1 appearances for Lorient this season.
The Latest: Ouattara contract talks stall
According to French outlet L’Equipe [via Sport Witness], contract talks between Ouattara and his current club are at a ‘standstill’, with Lorient ‘slow’ to offer him an extension.
That could play into Everton’s hands, with the report stating that the 20-year-old has a ‘good reputation’ at Goodison Park.
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The Verdict: Could work in Everton’s favour
It certainly feels as though Everton are now in a strong position to acquire Ouattara’s signature, with a move away from Lorient appearing to be on the cards amid the reported contract impasse.
At 20, it would be unfair to expect him to transform the Toffees’ season on his own, but he would add much-needed youth and end product to an ailing attack – their tally of 15 goals is the joint-second lowest in the Premier League this term.
Ouattara has been described as a ‘superb‘ player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and his long-term potential and impressive form over 2022/23 would make him an astute signing by Everton.
With the likes of Anthony Gordon and Dwight McNeil, who have just five goals between them so far this season, failing to offer much of a threat, the Burkina Faso youngster looks like just the type of the player that Lampard should be pursuing.
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