Ivory Coast star likely to move in summer amid Everton and Wolves interest

Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers have ventured down a relatively similar path this season and could now fight it out to sign an Ivory Coast international this summer, per a report.

Everton and Wolves both looking forward with optimism

Not so long ago, Everton and Wolves looked certain to be involved in a prolonged relegation dogfight after their respective poor starts to the Premier League campaign.

Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche were both relieved of their duties, and it is fair to say their replacements have made a world of difference at both Molineux and Goodison Park as the two clubs look forward to next season in the top-flight.

David Moyes has added a tactical flexibility and change of style at Everton, while Vitor Pereira is becoming a heroic figure in the West Midlands due to his infectious desire to improve their fortunes.

For now, the rest of the campaign takes priority for both sides. However, history will reflect fondly on the defining moment either hierarchy decided a change in the dugout was necessary to preserve their league status.

Loyalty goes a long way in football, and it could always be Moyes or Pereira on the chopping block in months to come, but you would struggle to find too many people harbouring scathing criticisms of either manager.

Exciting times could be on the horizon for Everton and Wolves, with the former set to enter a new era at Bramley Moore Dock after so much anticipation over their stadium move.

Nevertheless, the pair mentioned may now lock horns in the pursuit of a talented defender to bolster their ranks ahead of the new season.

Everton and Wolves go head to head for Auxerre defender Clement Akpa

According to Foot Mercato, Everton and Wolves are fighting it out to sign Auxerre defender Clement Akpa and it has been made clear that he is almost certain to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer. Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim and Stuttgart are also keen on the 23-year-old, who has registered one assist in 27 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

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Everton are expected to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

No talks have taken place as of yet, but there is every chance he will be available for a modest fee due to Auxerre’s need to boost their financial situation. Intriguingly, he could become part of a current of French top-flight defenders set for moves to either England or Germany, which also includes the likes of Everton target Facundo Medina.

Becoming an imposing presence for Auxerre, Akpa has won 114 duels this season. Primarily a centre-back, he has also been used in a berth on the left-hand side of their defence, earning 2 caps for Ivory Coast this year.

Versatility is key for any club with aspirations of staying in the Premier League, so it will be intriguing to see the battle commence between Everton and Wolves to land the France-born defender.