According to French sources at RMC sport, Lyon Winger Rachid Ghezzal has turned down a move to Everton in order to sign a new deal with Lyon.
Ghezzal’s future had been in doubt with Lyon as he was reportedly unhappy with his contract, and the French side had been unwilling to up his wages to what he wanted, which lead to Bruno Genesio – Lyon’s coach- putting him up for sale.
He had previously been linked with a £10m move to Everton as Ronald Koeman looks to further strengthen his wide options, following the signing of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace last week in what could be a record deal for the Blues.
The Algerian International had also been attracting the attention of both West Ham and Claude Puel’s Southampton, as the French manager has managed Ghezzal during his time with Lyon in 2010 but his approach was shut down by the French club.
West Ham have made two bids worth £6.2m and £7m for Ghezzal this summer, both turned down.
Last year, Ghezzal played the most appearances he has in a single season for Lyon’s senior side, with 29. During that time he scored eight times from out wide, giving him a total of 61 Ligue 1 appearances. His exploits have also earned him call-ups to the senior Algeria national team, for whom he has earned three caps.
