Everton have been in contact with Watford over a potential transfer for their midfield star Abdoulaye Doucoure for quite some time now. However, even though the Hornets would be open to selling their man, it won't exactly be a cheap operation.

Now, according to 90min, Carlo Ancelotti is considering throwing two fringe players into the mix as potential makeweights to bring the proposed figure of £30m down a little bit.

The two players in question, as the same source reveals, are Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic. Of course, neither of them have a big role in the team anyway so it makes sense to let them go.

Bolasie has spent time on loan at Aston Villa, Anderlecht and also Sporting CP while Besic himself played at Middlesbrough and Sheffield United. Losing them both should not really be a big hit for the Toffees' squad but could potentially help them out in this deal.

As of right now, 90min don't say anything about Watford's stance on getting two players and some cash in return for their player but Ancelotti is hoping this could indeed help get the deal over the line in the immediate future.

Just like everyone else in the current climate, Everton are working on a mostly reduced budget so meeting Doucoure's asking price is a tough pill to swallow.

But Watford should be aware of that as well and it remains to be seen whether they agree to the proposed terms.

Verdict

On the face of it, it does seem like sacrificing Bolasie and Besic for Doucoure is a good deal for Everton. Ancelotti obviously doesn't have them in his plans for the upcoming 2020/21 Premier League campaign so the transfer does make sense.

However, we still don't know if Watford feel the same way so we'll have to wait and see what they say.