Everton and Crystal Palace make ‘detailed inquiries’ for Watford man – Interest made clear

Everton and Crystal Palace have ‘expressed interest’ in Watford’s Othmane Maamma, with a departure from Vicarage Road expected this summer.

L’Equipe report that Everton, Crystal Palace and Benfica have all expressed interest alongside an unnamed French side.

Everton and Crystal Palace ‘inquiries’

According to the newspaper, Othmane Maamma looks destined to leave Watford this summer following his development this season.

Having been named best player at the U20 World Cup with Morocco last year, the 20-year-old could consider himself unlucky not to be a part of their squad for the World Cup.

While that was disappointing, a busy summer may be on the cards anyway. The winger is expected to leave Watford and is currently ‘facing interest from numerous clubs’.

Among the ‘declared candidates’ are Everton and Benfica. They have made ‘detailed inquiries’ about the player. Crystal Palace have done the same but still need to identify their next manager before progressing on transfer business.

There is also a ‘top French club’ in the mix, but L’Equipe state that their identity remains a mystery for the time being.

They do point out, though, that Lille were keen in the January transfer window. He appears to the club’s management thanks to his ‘explosive and technical profile’. There is a belief he could be signed and then sold for a significant profit in future.

Watford stance

Watford are unlikely to stand in the way of any bids for Othmane Maamma either. Sport Witness covered a report in April stating that they had opened the door for the youngster this summer.

That appears to have drawn potential suitors to the table. Everton and Crystal Palace have already made enquiries about a move.

With a current valuation of €8m, Watford will already earn big on the €1.3m they paid Montpellier last summer. But their asking price, remains to be seen. With Premier League interest, it’s unlikely to be just €8m.