Everton transfer news: Steven N’Zonzi rejects Toffees offer to return to Premier League
The Sevilla man has turned down the chance of a return to England with Everton who continue their search for commanding midfielder
EVERTON have been thwarted in the attempts to bring Steven N'Zonzi back to the Premier League, but Manchester City and Juventus are still in the hunt.
The Toffees have made a central midfielder a priority in the January window, however manager Ronald Koeman is struggling to bag Manchester United's Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Merseysiders made contact with Sevilla and N'Zonzi about a January switch, but the Frenchman who has been outstanding for the Spaniards since his cut price move from Stoke in 2015 has spurned Everton's advances.
The 28-year-old has been ever present this season for Los Rojiblancos who are third in La Liga, four points off leaders Real Madrid.
SunSport have been told a fee was not even discussed as the former Stoke man is happy in Spain with the current Europa League winners, and playing in the Champions League where they face Leicester City in last 16 next month.
N'Zonzi's apparent happiness with his lot at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium has not put off Manchester City and Juventus who are both keen on the big midfielder.
The Frenchman signed a lucrative four-year-deal with a buy out clause of of £25m and would be seen as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan who will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The Italian giants have made contact with Sevilla about bringing N'Zonzi to Turin but are not prepared to meet the fixed fee.
With Pep Guardiola losing Gundogan and with Fernandinho suspended again following his sending off against Burnley for a reckless challenge, the need to strengthen in midfield becomes even more of a priority.