Could Everton offer a player-plus-cash for Watford star Doucoure?

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Everton are keen to sign Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford.

The Toffees seem intent on bolstering their midfield this summer, with the likes of Allan and James Rodriguez also heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park.

The middle of the park was an area of concern last term, with Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes both having injury problems.

And 2019 signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin made just two appearances for the club before sustaining what turned out to be a season-ending injury.

Doucoure is supposedly a target for Carlo Ancelotti, but at the moment a deal is looking somewhat unlikely – with Sky Sports reporting Watford want a hefty £35 million for the Frenchman.

To part with such cash for a relegated player would not be particularly good business – but there is something that Everton could try.

TBR’s View – Davies sweetener?

Everton could perhaps try to offer Tom Davies as a potential sweetener to get a deal Doucoure over the line if the Hornets won’t come down on their valuation.

There are many Everton fans out there who love Davies and the idea that he has come through the club’s academy.

But there are also many who believe he should be more developed than he actually is at the age of 22.

The £25,000-a-week star (Spotrac) has been a regular under Ancelotti, but realistically Everton need better quality if they are to make a real push for Europe.

Doucoure is the kind of player that can take Everton’s midfield to another level, so Davies-plus-cash could be well worth looking into.