Malick Fofana stalling Everton move amid interest from Champions League sides | OneFootball

Olympique Lyon winger Malick Fofana is stalling on a move to Everton as he holds out for opportunities to join a Champions League club, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Everton have reportedly had a bid in the region of €36 million rejected by Lyon, who are holding out for at least €40m.

However, Fofana is not keen to move to the blue half of Merseyside, given the flurry of transfer interest in him across Europe.

Lyon would ideally like to keep Fofana, but have their hands tied by financial issues, which have triggered some key departures this summer.

Fofana is eager to feature in Europe’s premier club competition and is prepared to wait for bigger offers.

Some of the clubs eyeing a move for him must make space in their squads before making formal bids.

Nottingham Forest were believed to have reached an agreement with Lyon for Fofana earlier this summer.

The Belgian turned down the move due to a lack of Champions League football.

Chelsea took a look at Fofana last month, although they have since signed Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and are also nearing a swoop for Xavi Simons.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Fofana and could accelerate their interest as they close in on agreeing a deal with Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz.