The agent of Lyon star Rachid Ghezzal has admitted that Everton were at an 'advanced stage' to sign the forward in the summer, only for a deal to fall through at the final hurdle.
In August it was reportedthat the 24-year-old had turned down a contract offer from Everton, despite being offered'20 times' what he was earning at Lyon.
And now, the player's brother has claimed that the deal was rejected because it was 'less sporting', presumably talking about the lack of European footballat Goodison Park this season.
Speaking toLe Progres, Ghezzal's brother,Abdelkader, said:Everton made a great offer financially. But it was less sportingly attractive. Rachid has a good head on his shoulders, he was in on it, and we must see what is best for him in sport.�
His agent Pascal Yvars has added fuel to the fire, perhaps in order to reignite a potential deal, claiming that his client is unhappy at the lack of playing time for Lyon this season.
"We met with the club and everything went well. The file was well advanced, it seemed agreed." Yvars said.
Agents of Rachid Ghezzal comment on Everton interest and his current troubles at Lyon #evertonfc #efc #rachidghezzal https://t.co/JaH8zHnYV2
But then, on what is transmitted to us, we were very far apart on promises. We had to take the time to think. He was not stuck on a contractual situation, not at all.
Either Rachid is an important player and the club has on him or it's not interesting for the future."
The agent's comments could welllead to another bid from Everton, who will be able toland the Algerian forward at a cut-price deal in January as his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
According to L'Equipe, a £9.5m fee was agreed between the two clubs in the summer, but that figure is likely to have gone down due to Ghezzal's current contract situation.