Ligue 1 sides rival Everton’s interest in wantaway Saint-Étienne forward Zuriko Davitashvili | OneFootball

Despite relegation last season, AS Saint-Étienne are looking to retain their star players. Whilst demotion back to Ligue 2 is a blow, the club have long-term ambitions and they can back those ambitions up with investment, thanks to their moneyed Canadian owners, Kilmer Sports Ventures.

As a result, they are notably hoping to keep hold of Zuriko Davitashvili (24) and Lucas Stassin (20), both of whom were signed for big money last summer and impressed last season in Ligue 1. However, the former does not want to play in Ligue 2 next season. Les Verts are determined to keep him but the Georgia international is increasingly frustrated by this stance, Foot Mercato understands.

Davitashvili has plenty of suitors. Stade Rennais, RC Strasbourg Alsace, Sevilla, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Premier League side Everton are all keeping an eye on the forward’s situation, which could yet evolve between now and the closure of the transfer window.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle