Arnaut Danjuma has re-emerged as a target for Everton – five months after he dramatically abandoned a move to Goodison Park and joined Tottenham instead.
Danjuma's loan spell at Spurs officially runs out at midnight on Friday, and Mail Sport can reveal that Everton are back in contention to sign the 26-year-old Holland winger on loan next season.
It’s understood there is no bad blood between the two sides despite Danjuma’s decision to pull the plug on a deal to join Everton in the January transfer window.
The Merseysiders had a loan agreement in place with the player and his club Villarreal, and Danjuma had passed a medical.
But Everton’s decision to sack manager Frank Lampard, who had been a key figure in the move, was one of the reasons why Danjuma got cold feet. The Dutchman is said to have appreciated that Everton accepted his decision and they parted on good terms.
Danjuma was also swayed by the opportunity to play in the Champions League and FA Cup with Tottenham where he scored twice in 12 appearances. However, Spurs endured a difficult season as they dismissed manager Antonio Conte and then interim boss Cristian Stellini.
Villarreal want to sell Danjuma this summer but another loan is the likely outcome, and Everton are one of a number of clubs who have already expressed an interest.
They are expected to re-open talks with Danjuma’s representatives in the hope of signing a player who hit 22 goals in 51 games for Villarreal following a £21.3million move to the Spanish club from Bournemouth two years ago.
He also contributed 17 goals and eight assists in 52 games for Bournemouth who signed him from Club Brugge for £13.7m.