Everton abandon interest in £17m target

Everton have ended their interest in Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as part of the deal that saw Steve Walsh join the club as director of football.

Ronald Koeman is on the lookout for a new No.1 goalkeeper this summer and was linked with a £17m move for Denmark international Schmeichel.

However, the Daily Express is reporting that Everton have agreed not to pursue Leicester players for a pre-determined period under the terms of Walsh’s appointment at Goodison Park.

The Premier League champions are desperately trying to avoid a mass exodus this summer having already lost Walsh to Everton and midfielder N’Golo Kante to Chelsea.

This agreement prevents Walsh from raiding the King Power Stadium in the short-term, forcing the Toffees to drop their interest in Schmeichel.

With Tim Howard now safely ensconced in the MLS, Joel Robles and summer signing Maarten Stekelenberg are Everton’s only senior goalkeepers.

Robles is currently first choice though Koeman is reportedly unconvinced by the Spaniard’s abilities.

But with Schmeichel off the wanted list Koeman faces a race against time if he is to bring in a new No.1 before the season opener against Tottenham in three weeks’ time.