Villa, Everton alerted as Real Madrid-linked star downs tools to force exit
Reports claim midfielder Andre-Frank Anguissa wants to leave Fulham, with both Everton and Aston Villa thought to be among his suitors.
The 25-year-old signed for the Cottagers in the summer of 2018. He made 16 starts among 22 Premier League outings in his first season in west London. However, Fulham suffered relegation and, keen not to play in the Championship, he was loaned to Spanish club Villarreal.
The Cameroon international saw plenty of action in LaLiga, with 28 starts and 36 top-flight outings for El Submarino Amarillo. He returned to the capital last season but was once again part of the Fulham side to go down.
Scott Parker gave him the midfield enforcer role and he was seen 36 times in the league. But, with the prospect of playing in England’s second tier not appealing, the African wants out.
He did not feature in the matchday squad for Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Sunday. And, The Athletic suggest a desire to leave was behind his omission.
Manager Marco Silva is unlikely to stand in his way if a club is prepared to pay his asking price. And the Daily Mail claim they will hold out for a fee in the region of £20m.
Everton have been linked in the past, with reports in May that they were keen. However, that was while Carlo Ancelotti was in charge at Goodison Park.
Rafael Benitez is now in the dugout and the Spaniard might have other ideas.
Villa have Anguissa alternative
Villa boss Dean Smith is busy reshaping his squad after the exit of Jack Grealish. He has brought in a number of attacking players such as Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings.
And it is thought the 50-year-old wants to add steel to his midfield as well. The West Midlanders have reportedly opened discussions over the signing of Lens defensive midfielder Cheick Doucoure.
According to Goal, Villa have made contact with the player’s representatives but have yet to table a bid. Lens are thought to want around £13m for Doucoure and he would therefore be a cheaper option for the Villans.
Anguissa is a similar type of player, capable of disrupting opposition attacks and launching his side forward. He was linked with Real Madrid during his loan stint in Spain but returned to Craven Cottage.
Other clubs might enter the picture but his days by the Thames are surely numbered.
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