Everton's Jean-Philippe Gbamin could be offered a way out of his Merseyside nightmare after Fenerbahce were linked with a move for the midfielder.

What's the story?

According to Turkish publication Takvim the Super Lig giants are reportedly interested in bringing Gbamin to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium over the winter window.

The report doesn't name a prospective price tag for the 26-year-old, although with his current contract not expiring until the summer of 2024, the Toffees will be hopeful of recouping a large chunk of the £25m they paid for his services two years ago.

Fans should be delighted

Gbamin arrived on English shores back in August 2019 after cultivated a reputation for being an effective holding midfielder throughout his time in the Bundesliga with Mainz 05.

The Ivory Coast international scored three goals and registered four assists in 95 appearances for the German outfit, catching the eye in a range of different areas.

He became renowned for intelligent play from the Mainz engine room while also being capable of supporting attacks through his dazzling dribbling skills, long-range shooting and impeccable range of passing.

However, things have not gone to plan for Gbamin during his time at Everton. The midfielder has missed 619 days of football since signing after enduring numerous years of injury hell. Consequently, he managed just 135 minutes of Premier League action in his maiden campaign at Goodison Park.

A serious hamstring issue was the Ivorian's first setback before an Achilles tendon problem instantly followed, condemning him to a lengthy spell on the treatment table once again.

After making his comeback in April against Crystal Palace, he was consigned to the sidelines once again after spending just 11 minutes on the pitch for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Proceedings do look more encouraging for Gbamin this season, however. He completed 90 minutes against Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup a few months ago, providing hope that he can start to put a miserable chapter of his career behind him.

Nevertheless, a large section of Everton fans will surely be delighted to learn that the midfielder could be set for pastures new over the coming months.

After all, Everton are currently restricted by financial fair play and need to free up as much room on the wage bill as possible. James Rodriguez's departure has allowed for some extra wriggle room but Gbamin leaving as well would allow Marcel Brands and co to flex their financial muscles a little more.

His arrival offered much promise, but it's just been setback after setback for the unfortunate maestro, and the Blues may be best off cutting their losses before any more damage is done.

And, in other news...Everton increasingly likely to sign £187k-p/w gem, fans surely buzzing