Everton will be banking on a late collapse in Besiktas’ efforts to sign Atletico Madrid forward Nikola Kalinic after the Super Lig giants identified Yannick Bolasie as a potential alternative.
What’s the word?
According to Demiroren Haber Agency, Besiktas are continuing to evaluate a range of offensive options late in the summer transfer window having so far failed in their efforts to lure Kalinic away from La Liga.
The Black Eagles are striving to secure an agreement with the 32-year-old over a move to Vodafone Park after two months of negotiations, but issues have arisen over the payment structure and guarantees that have been offered.
Reports in Italy also suggest Torino are beginning to show an interest in the Croatian and have contacted his agent Fali Ramadani, although the Serie A side would be hoping Kalinic lowers his salary demands before penning a proposed two-year deal.
If Kalinic does secure a move elsewhere or snubs Besiktas, Sergen Yalcin’s side are expected to turn to Colombian striker Miguel Borja or Bolasie after the DR Congo forward was deemed surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti has no place for Bolasie
Bolasie’s Everton future has been in doubt ever since the forward returned from a one-season loan spell with Sporting CP, with reports in August suggesting the 31-year-old would have to train with the Under-23s until a new club can be found.
Carlo Ancelotti has now confirmed that he sees no way for Bolasie to enter his plans after overlooking the former £25million signing in Everton’s opening fixtures of the term.
“He is not part of the squad,” the Italian said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “He can train with us if he’s not able to find a club until the end of the market, and if he stays here of course we are going to train him.
“But I said to him that we have a big squad, and unfortunately there is no space for him.”
Ancelotti’s update came as no surprise to Bolasie, who later confirmed on Twitter that he had spoken with the Blues boss to discuss his future on Merseyside.
“Not been let go,” he noted. “I spoke with the boss last week, not news for me.
“All I’ll say is the respect I have for him is very high. I’ve finally been treated like a human being again after a few years.”
With Besiktas struggling to get a deal for Kalinic over the line, Everton and Bolasie will both be hoping for further issues to arise before a total collapse in talks that sparks the Turkish giants to focus their efforts on the Toffees’ unwanted outcast desperate to play football again.
If not, Ancelotti will have to offer Bolasie the chance to train with the first-team as suitors have not been easy to find for the £75,000-per-week attacker who has started 58 games in the past three years for four different sides.
AND in other news, Everton are warming to the idea of sending a rarely-seen man away from Goodison Park.