Denis Bouanga states his happiness to remain at Saint-Etienne despite Everton links

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Reported Everton transfer target Denis Bouanga has been speaking about his future and it appears that the Toffees might be fighting a losing battle in any transfer swoop for the Gabon international. 

Bouanga told the press earlier this week, ahead of current club Saint-Etienne’s French Cup final appearance, that he is happy to remain with Les Verts for the foreseeable future. 

As reported by Poteaux-Carres, the 25-year-old made it clear that he is happy to remain at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard going forward. 

“…I am under contract, I feel good in Saint-Etienne. Contacts abroad? I leave all that to my advisers, I always said that I was dedicated to my preparation. I want to be still decisive for my team. I wanted to do it step by step: first Nîmes then Saint-Etienne. I plan to climb the ranks and, for that, I have to score even more goals than last season.”

It was first reported back in May that Everton were keen on the player. The Sunday Mirror (17/05/20; pg63) suggested that the Toffees might be keen on the player. It was suggested that Bouanga could be available for just £8 million with the Ligue 1 side’s manager Claude Puel admitting they may have to sell. 

Last month, BuzzSport claimed that Saint-Etienne were ready to sell for a fee of £13.5 million for the player who has thrived since his arrival from Nimes last summer. 

The 17-cap international, who admitted to Le10 Sport previously of his admiration and support from Gabonese compatriot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has been in fine form. He has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 35 games for the club and his pace and trickery could add some dynamism that is clearly lacking from Everton’s game. 

But it seems Everton may have some persuading to do if they want the attacker to turn his back on the Ligue 1 side.