Lille are desperate to sign Andre Gomes from Everton this summer.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who have reported that they will ‘try everything’ to keep him at the club following his loan spell.
Andre Gomes spent last season in Lille and made 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals in the process.
The midfielder was a star player for Paulo Fonseca’s side last season as they finished in fifth place and confirmed their spot in the Europa Conference League.
However, there was no option to make Gomes’ move permanent and he has now returned to Everton.
With the 29-year-old previously frozen out of the Toffees’ side, Lille are now prioritising a permanent deal for Gomes.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Gomes could be available on the cheap as he only has a year left on his current deal. However, the report claims that the French outfit may struggle to pull off a permanent move and are also shortlisting potential alternatives.
Lille aren’t the only club chasing Gomes either, with journalist Pablo Patino recently claiming that Rafa Benitez is eager to bring the former Portugal international with him to Celta Vigo.
Everton should cut their losses on Andre Gomes
Everton have no chance at making anywhere near the £22 million that they spend on Gomes four years ago and are going to have to accept the loss this summer.
With only a year left on his contract, the midfielder would leave for free next summer anyway, with it seeming extremely unlikely that he would be offered fresh terms.
Sean Dyche’s side will need midfield reinforcements as Amadou Onana continues to be linked with a move away, however keeping Gomes certainly wouldn’t be the answer.
Everton’s current midfield is looking rather lacklustre, with the likes of Tom Davies, Dele Alli and Jean-Philippe Gbamin all struggling to make an impact.
The Toffees are in need of a midfield makeover, though any money made of Gomes’ potential exit won’t add up to much.