EXCLUSIVE: Everton face competition from Nottingham Forest and Villarreal for Sarr

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 30 Jan 2024 22:28 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Everton are pursuing Ismalia Sarr but face stiff competition from Nottingham Forest and Villarreal, FootballTransfers has been told.

The Toffees are hopeful of securing the services of the winger on loan with an option to buy. Everton had been closely monitoring Sarr's performances recently, but it appears that other clubs are making significant strides in their attempts to secure the player.

Sources suggest that Sarr's current club, Marseille, would be open to selling the winger for a fee of £13 million. However, Everton is reportedly facing financial constraints and may not have the cash available to match the Ligue 1 side’s valuation. The feeling is that Forest and Villareal seem to have stolen a march in the race for the winger's signature.

Meanwhile, Leeds are likely to return for Ben Godfrey, we are told. The Yorkshire club had initially submitted a loan offer for the defender, but the proposal was turned down. Despite the setback, it is believed that Leeds will return with a renewed bid for Godfrey, with Leeds head coach Daniel Farke pushing for the move.

Farke and Godfrey previously worked together at Norwich and the head coach has made it a priority to bring him to Elland Road. As previously reported, Everton made Godfrey up for sale this window in the hope of freeing up the wage bill.

Everton’s appeal

Everton are entering a pivotal period marked by a looming appeal against an independent commission's decision to deduct 10 points from them, scheduled for next month. It is the second Premier League charge for violating Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR).

There is no set timetable for the decision regarding the proposed takeover of the club by 777 Partners, despite the move being agreed in September.

The financial injection from the proposed takeover could offer stability, but the pending appeal looms in the background. The next few months will be huge for Everton, with the resolution of these issues poised to determine the club's trajectory in the coming seasons.