Everton transfer rumours rated: Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic makes no sense, Man Utd want Abdoulaye Doucoure

Blues eye Perisic

Everton are tracking Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic, as per Fichajes.

The Croatia international's contract at the Serie A champions expires in the summer.

He's scored two goals in 11 games so far this season but could look for a new challenge after what will be seven years in Italy.

West Ham are also said to be interested in Perisic, while a return to the Bundesliga is an option.

He won the Champions League on loan at Bayern Munich in 2019-20 and the title with Borussia Dortmund in 2012.

- Rumour rated: the Toffees will likely want another winger either in January or at the end of the season.

Alex Iwobi's persistently not hit the standards required while Rafa Benitez could be tempted to send Anthony Gordon out on loan at some stage.

But a swoop for Perisic makes little sense. Granted, he's a Champions League winner, a World Cup finalist and been a top-class player for several years now.

However, his wages would be significant. Everton need to slash their wage bill rather than continue signing players that have left the club hamstrung by financial fair play rules.

What's more, Perisic has no sell-on value at the age of 32.

United want Doucoure

Sticking with Fichajes, they've also claimed that Manchester United want Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The midfielder started the season in rampant form, registering two goals and four assists in nine games.

Everton certainly missed Doucoure in the sobering 5-2 loss to Watford on Saturday because of a foot injury.

He'll remain sidelined for the next four weeks.

- Rumour rated: it wouldn't be a big shock if Doucoure is coveted by clubs elsewhere.

He's been one of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League this term and his figures speak for themselves.

Given United's troubles in the engine room after their 5-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, it's an area they could look to bolster.

Everton paid £20 million for Doucoure in the summer of 2019 and they'd laugh off offers unless it was several times more than that figure.

Magpies still looking to steal Rafa

Newcastle have not given up hope of Rafa Benitez's returning as manager, according to Football Insider.

The Everton boss was heavily linked with the Magpies job after their Saudi Arabia-led takeover. He remains adored by the Toon Army, having been in charge between 2016-2019.

Newcastle sacked Steve Bruce last week and former Blues coach Graeme Jones is holding the reins while they search for a permanent manager.

- Rumour rated: in truth, this seems a complete non-story.

Benitez has already publicly come out and said that he's already told the Goodison Park board they do not need to worry about his position.

The Spaniard has a reputation for never breaking contracts and wants to build something at Everton.

Perhaps after the Watford loss, Newcastle thought there might now be a chance he'd jump ship but that's almost impossible.