Everton will not cancel Arnaut Danjuma’s loan with the club until they have found a suitable replacement, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed Danjuma, 26, is keen to join Lyon on loan this month.
The Ligue 1 side have a broad agreement with the player and Villarreal, who loaned him to Everton on a season-long deal last summer.
Sean Dyche’s side would have to cancel Danjuma’s loan to allow him to move to France this month.
But a well-placed source has told Football Insider that Everton were looking for wide players even before the January window opened.
It is believed the Merseysiders are not keen to leave themselves short by allowing Danjuma to move on without lining up a replacement.
Dwight McNeil also picked up an injury in the FA Cup third-round clash against Crystal Palace – and could miss weeks with an ankle problem.
Everton and their recruitment staff are now scouring the market for a new forward – and will only allow Danjuma to leave if a suitable option is found.
The Netherlands international has made 17 appearances across all competitions this term, scoring twice.
But just seven of their outings have come as part of the starting lineup – meaning Danjuma is keen to secure another move elsewhere.
The ex-Bournemouth star, who has played on both flanks and as a centre-forward this term, is out of contract with Villarreal in June 2026.
Everton, who are next in action against Aston Villa on Sunday (14 January), sit 17th in the Premier League despite their 10-point deduction.
In other news, Tottenham and Everton step up interest in Championship star.
