Steven Gerrard now wants to sign £20m Everton star as he makes ‘formal approach’

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Unsurprisingly, this January has been one dominated by the potential outbound players rather than those whom Everton might sign.

Although there have been some reports detailing stars who have caught Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell’s attention, the funds are simply not there.

If there is to be any movement, it has to come following a significant sale.

As such, the likes of Amadou Onana, Jarrad Branthwaite and even Ben Godfrey have all been touted with a Goodison Park exit, as clearly the most attractive or viable options that the Toffees have to offer.

And yet, it could still be another star who departs, should he be tempted by the bright lights and mouth-watering fees of Saudi Arabia.

Worse still, it is Steven Gerrard intent on prying this key man away too.

Which Everton player does Steven Gerrard want?

Having haunted Everton for many years as a player, and even as a manager with Aston Villa, the 43-year-old has since seen his coaching career take a pretty significant nosedive after failing to make a strong squad work in the Midlands.

Unai Emery’s performance with that same side has truly highlighted his flaws as a tactician, likely explaining his move to the Middle East.

There, where he has just signed a new contract extending his stay until 2027, he is slowly building a strong squad made up of former top-level assets having left Europe for this developing league.

And now he could be set to tempt Abdoulaye Doucoure, who is reportedly his latest target.

Fabrizio Romano has since offered a new update on that target, telling GIVEMESPORT: ‘Unfortunately for Everton, I think that there is a possibility because if a really important proposal comes in, one of these two players could leave.

‘At the moment there is still no official bid. Al-Ettifaq approached Everton with a formal approach to tell them about their interest in Doucoure. But at the moment, still no formal bid and also they approached the agent of the player.

‘So let’s see what’s going to be the next step in this story.’

Abdoulaye Doucoure is too important for Dyche to lose

Whilst it has been suggested that the figure brought in might be key for navigating their current PSR crisis, the money gained would pail in comparison to what they might lose by succumbing to relegation in his absence.

That is just how important the £20m Mali international has recently become, with the 31-year-old having upheld the bulk of the scoring and creative burden in the last 12 months.

His six Premier League goals make him the club’s top scorer this term, yet he blends that with a relentless work rate. As such, his 1.3 key passes per game give way to a further 1.6 tackles and 4.9 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

Doucoure leads the press, scores, assists, does the dirty work and more. To lose him would be catastrophic, and could be the catalyst that relegates them.