As per The Sun, Everton have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Anderlecht defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker as the Belgian side have expressed that they would listen to offers.
However, official bids for the 22-year-old, valued within the region of £25million and £30million must be submitted within the next 2 to 3 weeks.
Manchester United have also declared an interest in Dendoncker, but haven’t tabled a bid either despite asking after his availability.
Anderlecht will kickoff their Champions League campaign in the second week of September, and they wish to know beforehand if the midfielder can be counted upon.
The club’s chief executive Herman van Holsbeeck said of their intention of not listening to late offers, “One thing that is certain is that we will no longer let Leander go once we reach the final days of the transfer window. We will do everything we can to get him to stay with us for another year. ”
Everton boss Ronald Koeman wants to add another midfielder before the market slams shut, and he also wants to wrap up business ahead of the closing weeks of the transfer.
Dendoncker, also being monitored by PSG and RB Leipzig, played a huge role in ensuring the Brussels club clinched the Belgian First Division A title last term, while also helping them to the Europa League quarterfinals.
The Belgian is known for his power and ability to win back the ball, and the Toffees could do with another player similar to Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park.
Dendoncker has in time past revealed of his desire to play in the English topflight, but with a spot in coach Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad for Russia 2016 top priority to him, he wants assurance of a starting berth were he to leave Anderlecht.
That isn’t guaranteed at Goodison Park given the quality available to Koeman, and it doesn’t seem a deal will be sealed for him this summer.
However, if the Merseysiders are interested in his signature, then work must begin on it earnestly in the coming days.
