Everton handed ‘boost’ over cut-price transfer deal as surprising Real Madrid link emerges
Transfer talk rumbles on as Everton look for a successor to Rafa Benitez.
Everton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a cut-price deal, according to reports.
The Toffees are one of a number of sides to have been linked with Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria during the winter transfer window.
Zakaria, 25, is now in the final six months of his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach and could therefore be available for a low fee this month - with some reports suggesting as little as £5million could be required to seal a deal.
Everton are far from the only club rumoured to be keen on the midfielder, with Arsenal and Manchester United also credited with an interest.
And potential suitors have been handed a boost after Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl admitted they would have to listen to offers this month due to ‘financial reasons’.
Speaking to Kicker, he said: “It’s not surprising that there is speculation about both of them [Zakaria and teammate Mattheus Ginter] and especially Denis, but it’s no longer our topic.
“They both still have a half year of contract. But we have also said again and again that if something comes up that we have to deal with for financial reasons.”
Elsewhere, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been linked with a surprising move to Real Madrid.
Spanish outlet Fichajes claim that Carlo Ancelotti could seek a reunion with the former Watford man - but that any move is unlikely to come before the summer.