Everton have signed Mainz star Jean-Philippe Gbamin, but according to The Daily Star, Southampton outcast Mario Lemina is still wanted by the Toffees.
Marco Silva’s side have wrapped up £25 million deal for the Ivory Coast international, but it is claimed that they have not yet given up in their chase for Saints’ exiled midfielder.
Lemina, who is available for around £15 million this summer, is not in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans and is expected to leave the club before the window slams shut.
Whether or not Everton are a realistic destination for the Gabonese midfielder, however, is unclear.
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It is difficult to see the Toffees going in for another player to strengthen their options in the middle of the park. They have already signed Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph, with Gbamin’s arrival set to cover the departure of Idrissa Gueye.
Lemina wants to leave Southampton, and the club are actively working to sell him. But time is running out, and following Everton’s recent activity in the market – contrary to aforementioned reports – it would be a shock to see the former Juventus man arrive on Merseyside.
Clubs across Europe will be able to take their time should they choose to pursue the 25-year-old, with their transfer window set to close towards the end of August. However, it is well documented that the most concrete interest in Lemina of late has been from the Premier League, and Saints’ best chance of selling would seemingly be to another English club.
Strengthening a top-flight rival is never ideal, but there appears to be a sense of urgency on Southampton’s side to cut their losses with Lemina. Everton’s swoop for Gbamin, though, likely rules out a wealthy, interested party.
