11 January 2024 , 10:44
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Arnaut Danjuma will seek to leave Everton this month if the club cannot provide assurances of regular minutes.
The Dutch winger, signed on a season-long loan deal from Villarreal last summer, has started just four matches in the Premier League this season. He has also been an unused substitute on eight separate occasions in the top-flight having scored two goals in 17 appearances in all competitions.
Lyon are now pushing to sign Danjuma but for any deal to happen, Everton and Villarreal would also have to agree to the premature termination of the 26-year-old's loan.
Sources have disclosed that Everton still hold the power but if they fail to present a plan to the forward about improving his playing time, he will look to leave Goodison Park before the transfer window closes. If the Toffees intend to use Danjuma more frequently, he will be staying at the club until the end of the season.
So far, Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison have been favoured on flanks this term but McNeil was recently stretchered off in the FA Cup stalemate at Crystal Palace after suffering a blow to the ankle.
Everton are yet to disclose whether the injury is serious but McNeil's fitness is likely to have implications for Danjuma's future. Reports in France suggest Danjuma has already agreed personal terms with Lyon. The Holland international is keeping his options open in case he is told he can leave Everton this window.
Lyon would like to sign the former Bournemouth man, who also spent the second half of last season on loan at Tottenham, on an initial loan but would be willing to include a permanent transfer clause for under £13million (€15m).
Arnaut Danjuma spent the second half of last season on loan at Tottenham (Getty Images) The French giants, who only picked up their first Ligue 1 win of the season in November, are yet to reach any agreement in principle with Villarreal. Everton boss Dyche was asked whether Danjuma's loan could be ended early back in December and he refused to provide any definitive answer. He said: "We'll see about all that. As you know, we're carrying a pretty light squad."
The Toffees are thought to be planning to keep Danjuma at the club but the issue is complicated by the fact the attacker has now been offered regular football elsewhere.
Danjuma is hoping to finish the season strong as he bids to clinch a place in Holland's squad for the European Championships in Germany. Talks between the club and the player's representatives are expected to take place in the near future.