French starlet with ‘close contacts’ to Milan on Everton, Wolves radar

Everton and Wolves have been credited with an interest in Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan but might face competition from Milan.

Simakan, 20, has started all of Strasbourg’s 17 Ligue 1 games this season. He made his debut in July 2019 and went on to enjoy 19 league outings last term.

He has taken that form into the current campaign and been a shining light in a struggling team. Les Coureurs sit just one place and two points above the relegation zone.

They have taken 14 points and face an uphill struggle to remain in France’s top division. And, if reports are to be believed, the Stade de la Meinau outfit may have to do it without their star defender.

Tuttomercatoweb are reporting that Strasbourg have ‘close contacts’ with Milan regarding the player. It is said that the uncertainty over his future is starting ‘to get to’ the France Under-20 ace.

His value ranges between €15 and €20 million, with Milan thought to be negotiating on that price.

West Ham were heavily linked in the summer and appeared to have outbid Milan for the talented youngster. However, the French club’s ‘greed’ is said to have scuppered that particular deal.

Premier League an option

Latest reports centre on Everton and Wolves, who are both looking to bolster their defence in January. The Toffees are enjoying their best season in many years, with Carlo Ancelotti working his magic.

They currently sit fourth in the standings after bouncing back from November’s slump. The Merseysiders endured a sequence of just one win in seven league outings but have won their last three.

It remains to be seen if they can maintain a challenge but now have pulling power for a young prospect. However, the young Frenchman is thought to favour a move to the Rossoneri

Wolves have not quite hit the heights of last season and sit 11th in the table after 14 matches. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are only six points off fourth, however, with 24 games still to go.

They have not been afraid to spend with the Portuguese tactician at the helm and Simakan would be an investment. If they could get him at the prices being quoted, it seems inevitable that they would make a decent profit in the future.

Strasbourg will doubtless try to get as much as they can and a bidding war might begin early next year. But it seems highly likely that the starlet will be on his way by the time the winter window closes.

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