Sources: Niels Nkounkou in line for Everton chance after impressive loan

By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

11th Mar, 2023 | 7:40am

Sources: Niels Nkounkou in line for Everton recall

Niels Nkounkou is set to be given the chance to resurrect his Everton career this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old is currently on loan in the French second tier with Saint-Etienne, who he joined in January after a proposed season-long stay with Cardiff City was cut short.

And he has caught the eye with his performances in recent weeks, producing a return of four assists and one goal from his last five outings.

That has led to suggestions that Saint-Etienne could trigger the option to buy included in the agreement that saw Nkounkou make a mid-season move back to his homeland.

However, sources have described the permanent fee negotiated by Everton as “relatively high” – a reflection of their desire to see him realise his potential at Goodison Park.

Should the figures involved put Saint-Etienne off as expected, Nkounkou will be given every chance to impress new manager Sean Dyche this summer.

Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel

The Englishman deployed Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back in each of his first five games in charge prior to the Ukrainian missing out on last weekend’s trip to Nottingham Forest with illness.

However, a vacancy is still likely to open up in that position over the summer, with Ruben Vinagre expected to return to Sporting Lisbon following a disappointing loan stint.

The Portuguese has managed just 24 minutes of Premier League action since moving to Merseyside on a temporary deal in July.

As such, the role of back-up next season could initially fall to Nkounkou, who has previously found first-team action hard to come by at Goodison Park.

The Frenchman has made just seven senior appearances since joining the club from Marseille on a free transfer in the summer of 2020.

He will be out of contract in 2024 having signed an extension to his deal before joining Saint-Etienne.

Meanwhile, Everton are ready to return for Southampton ace Che Adams in the summer window.