Everton baulk at Strasbourg’s £40m demand for Guela Doue | OneFootball

Everton are showing interest in RC Strasbourg right back Guela Doue, talkSPORT reports.

The Toffees are looking for defensive reinforcements this summer and Doue is seen as a key target, although they could struggle to meet Strasbourg’s demands.

Everton are looking for a long term replacement for legend Seamus Coleman, who is set to leave the club when his contract runs out this summer.

David Moyes’ side need to strengthen at right-back after a season where their options were stretched.

Injuries and a lack of depth forced Jake O’Brien to spend most of the season covering at right back despite being a natural centre-back.

While the Irish international adapted impressively and delivered a number of solid performances, Everton are understood to be eager to bring in a specialist who can offer greater balance and attacking support from wide areas.

The need for reinforcements has become even more pressing following Coleman’s exit.

After 17 years of service, the former captain leaves behind a huge legacy, but his exit creates a vacancy in a position where Everton currently have limited cover.

Nathan Patterson is Everton’s only recognised right-back at the moment, but even his future at the club is reportedly up in the air.

Patterson joined Everton from Rangers in 2022 as a long-term successor to Coleman, but the 24-year-old has struggled to establish himself due to injuries and inconsistency.

That situation has reportedly pushed Everton towards Doue, who enjoyed an impressive campaign with Strasbourg last season.

The Ivory Coast international joined the French side from Stade Rennais and wasted no time establishing himself as a key player.

One of Doue’s biggest assets is his versatility. While he’s naturally a right-back, he is also comfortable playing in midfield or as a winger when required.

Doue is valued at £40 million, which could be a problem for Everton who are severely restricted by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

It remains to be seen if they’ll push for the Ivorian defender who is currently representing his country at the FIFA World Cup.