Report: ‘Fantastic’ Everton player was actually close to leaving Goodison this summer but talks broke down

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Out of favour midfielder Allan was close to leaving Everton this summer but talks over a move to Qatar broke down.

90Min report that the former Napoli man could not agree terms over a deal to move to the nation which will of course host this summer’s World Cup.

The transfer window is still open there, so Allan and fellow Everton outcast Salomon Rondon could yet move there in the coming days.

It does not shut until October 4, so there is still a chance for the pair to get their respective seasons back on track.

Allan was close to leaving Everton

He would already have made his move if an agreement could have been found earlier in the summer, when Everton embarked on a midfield overhaul.

Frank Lampard of course used to play in the centre of the park and it is an area that he added energy to in his first summer in charge.

Allan was a remnant of the Carlo Ancelotti era at Goodison Park, where the Italian brought in experienced players to get short term results.

Ancelotti described Allan as ‘fantastic‘ and he did add some bite to the Everton midfield in the early part of his time at the club.

But his legs have started to fade and he is limited in possession of the ball, which must be why Lampard has looked elsewhere.

There does not seem to be much prospect of Allan playing in a blue shirt this season so it would be better for all parties if he did actually move to Qatar now.