Everton have seen a bid rejected by Lyon for Malick Fofana, with the winger discussing a contract with the Merseysiders.

According to Hugo Guillemet via L’Equipe, Lyon have rejected a €36 million bid for Malick Fofana amid growing concerns of the winger’s exit. The attacker is already discussing a contract with the Toffees, which might indicate a deal could be in place, with Lyon setting their demands straight.

Malick Fofana remains one of the sought-after young attackers in Europe, and plenty of top clubs are keeping close watch on his situation. Lyon’s brief flirt with relegation owing to their financial situation did leave the door slightly ajar for key players to depart.

Rayan Cherki was sold to Manchester City earlier, while Thiago Almada has made his move to Atletico Madrid. Georges Mikautadze continued to attract interest, and the big story could be the potential exit of Fofana. The winger scored and assisted 17 times across all competitions, which marked his breakthrough season for the French side.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in the 20-year-old Ligue 1 winger, as those big six sides are collecting different profiles of attackers. Liverpool considered him a viable target if Federico Chiesa departed, and now with Everton closing in on the Lyon star, it will be seen as a blow for the Merseyside rivals.

Everton had approached for Fofana, as Lyon rejected a €36 million bid, including add-ons for the 20-year-old Ligue 1 winger. The French side wants €40 million in fixed fees, and possibly further in bonuses. The Toffees can get closer to the asking rate, as there’s a real chance to land the promising attacker.

Malick Fofana in Everton discussion

Fofana and Everton are already discussing a contract, which may indicate the player is open to joining the Toffees. David Moyes will be thrilled with a player like Fofana, with Everton needing a big presence in the attacking third. Fofana can truly develop himself into one of the top attackers with a consistent spell in Merseyside, with a bright platform to express.

Lyon could lose another key attacker, and at the price, Everton might feel the need to accelerate the close of the transfer. Fofana will be a top signing for the Toffees, which would indicate their ambitions for the new season, as Moyes will certainly want to bring them back to a good level.