Everton have rejected an offer from Marseille to sign Neal Maupay on loan and are close to re-signing Asmir Begovic a year after the veteran goalkeeper left Goodison Park. Maupay, who spent last season on loan at Brentford, is surplus to requirements at Everton and a player the club is willing to sell to raise funds for Sean Dyche.
Marseille’s offer of a season-long loan for the striker was rejected because it included only an offer to buy Maupay next summer and not an obligation. The 28-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season but Everton have an option to extend for a further 12 months. They would therefore have to renew Maupay’s deal in an attempt to recoup a transfer fee, but would prefer a permanent exit in this window or a loan with an obligation to buy.
Begovic is expected to rejoin Everton once he has completed a medical. The 37-year-old signed for Queens Park Rangers last summer after his Everton contract finished. But the former Stoke and Bournemouth keeper is a free agent again after leaving the Championship club and Everton want more experienced cover for Jordan Pickford despite 24-year-old João Virgínia impressing last season.