- Arnaut Danjuma has played 17 times in all competitions for Everton this term
- Dwight McNeil picked up an injury in the 0-0 FA Cup draw at Crystal Palace
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Lyon want Arnaut Danjuma but Everton are reluctant to curtail his loan from Villarreal as Dwight McNeil is injured.
Danjuma returned to the Premier League for a second spell, having failed to impress while restricted to a bit-part role with Tottenham following a January loan move in 2023.
He has since had more luck at Goodison Park, featuring 17 times in all competitions so far this term, although he is yet to dislodge either McNeil or Jack Harrison as Sean Dyche‘s regular starters from wide positions.
McNeil was stretchered off in the Toffee’s 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round last week.
Thus far, the Dutch forward has managed only two goals in all competitions for the Toffees, but he is now attracting the eye of French strugglers Lyon, who are just four points above automatic relegation.
Arnaut Danjuma is of interest to Lyon as they look to fend off a relegation battle in Ligue 1
The Dutch international forward has made 177 appearances for Everton this term, scoring twice
Danjuma had emerged as one of the most exciting forwards after a rapid progression with Villarreal following his departure from Bournemouth in 2021.
In his 51 appearances for Villarreal, he has notched an impressive 22 goals and four assists, although he is still yet to set the Premier League alight.
The French club has been on a steady decline since their unmatched period of dominance during the early 2000s but this season has been shocking for Pierre Sage’s side.
Lyon had also been linked with a temporary approach for Manchester United starlet Hannibal Mejbri.
United originally acquired Mejbri, who has been capped 27 times for the Tunisian national side, from Monaco in a £9.3million deal.
The Tunisia international had indicated he wanted to join Sevilla once given clearance by United manager Erik ten Hag, but Premier League rivals Everton have also made an approach.
Lyon had also made an approach for Manchester United starlet Hannibal Mejbri but face competition from Everton, Sevilla and Freiburg
The 20-year-old asked not to be selected by Tunisia for the Africa Cup of Nations as he focuses on his next move.
The midfielder has been on the books at Man United since 2019, having made his senior debut for United in a 2-1 victory against Wolves at Molineux back in 2021.
