Lyon make latest Ernest Nuamah decision as Premier League rivals ‘submit’ offer for Everton ‘target’

There are fewer than two weeks of the January transfer market remaining – and Evertonians will be hoping that additions may be brought to the club. Certainly, that is what the Toffees are working on. David Moyes has insisted that new players are a necessity to ensure that a Premier League relegation battle is avoided. He has reiterated that multiple times since making it apparent at his first press conference following his appointment as manager in place of Sean Dyche.

With only 18 goals in 21 league games, Everton needs to step up their offensive threat. Although the last third is a top concern, full-back and central midfield have been suggested as other team positions that could use improvement.One player who is on Everton’s list of transfer objectives is Ernest Nuamah. The Blues are long-term admirers of the Ghana international, having been linked in the summer transfer window. Moyes maintained that a deal with Olympique Lyonnais had been reached, despite reports in France to the contrary. However, the Goodison Park manager acknowledged that Everton has the winger on their list of transfer objectives.

Nevertheless, despite being linked away, Nuamah has still playing for Lyon. He came off the bench during last night’s Europa League 0-0 tie between Pierre Sage’s team and Fenerbahce. In Istanbul, the 21-year-old played the last 11 minutes.Following the announcement of £422 million in debt, Lyon found themselves in a dangerous financial position. The National Directorate of Management Control, the French football finance watchdog, has temporarily demoted them to Ligue 2 unless they significantly improve. Everton has recently preferred to enter the French top tier market. Orel Mangala was loaned from Les Gones during the summer transfer window, and Jake O’Brien signed for £16.4 million from Lyon. Meanwhile, Iliman Ndiaye was hired from Marseille.

Reports have suggested that director of football Kevin Thelwell has been tracking RC Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra. The midfielder has recorded four goals and two assists in 19 games, while he is the Senegal team-mate of Everton pair Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye. On the other hand, Everton’s Premier League rivals are reportedly trying to outshine them. According to L’Équipe, Brighton, tomorrow’s Premier League rivals, has made a bid of €23 million.However, Strasbourg, a team owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo, is reportedly waiting for more.