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Everton target Ishak Belfodil is still with Standard Liege in Spain despite on-going rumours about a move to Goodison Park. The Algerian striker has been linked with a switch to Merseyside all week, with reports claiming that the Blues are set to pay £12 million for his services.
Suggestions in the media had been that the forward would travel to undergo a medical at USM Finch Farm on Thursday ahead of the move. However, it appears such suggestions were somewhat hasty as the player is still with the Belgian side in warm weather training camp in Spain.
That is according to Kristof Terreur, a journalist for Belgian newspaper HLN.be, one of the first papers to break the story of his impending move.
Ishak Belfodil is still in Spain. Hasn't travelled to England as yet. (Via @stijnjorisfh) https://t.co/vFdA20a88l
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) 12 January 2017
Via @stijnjorisfh: he wasn't in the starting 11 on the team sheet, but Belfodil starts for Standard in the friendly against Dortmund. pic.twitter.com/ComBuBM35L
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) 12 January 2017
The player subsequently started Standard’s Liege’s friendly with German giants Borussia Dortmund in Marbella, and played in the first half. BVB went on to win 3-0.
It remains to be seen when a medical for Belfodil could be arranged then, with Everton sure to be keen to get one completed as soon as possible. Considering how long it took to get the Morgan Schneiderlin deal completed, though, Blues fans would be wise to not hold their breathe just yet.