Crystal Palace and Everton are both tracking KRC Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi, according to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri.
Writing in his Sky Sport CH column, Tavolieri says the 23-year-old has drawn strong interest from the Premier League, with Genk prepared to sell as early as the January window. The Belgian club are believed to be seeking between €10 million and €12 million, including potential add-ons.
Palace and Everton are understood to have already made initial enquiries about the defender. In Palace’s case, contact has been made with El Ouahdi’s representatives, and the Belgium-born Morocco international is reportedly open to a move to Selhurst Park. However, that interest does not guarantee a deal will be completed.
The Eagles’ main focus remains Bayern Munich full-back Sacha Boey, with El Ouahdi viewed as an alternative option should that pursuit fall through.
Tavolieri does not clarify whether Everton have approached Genk directly or spoken to the player’s camp, but the outcome appears clear for now. El Ouahdi has rejected the idea of joining the Merseyside club, with the report stating he wants to move to a side not involved in a relegation fight.
That stance comes despite Everton sitting ninth in the Premier League with 24 points from 16 matches. They are closer to second-placed Manchester City than they are to West Ham United in 18th. Everton also trail Crystal Palace by just two points, with the Eagles currently occupying fifth place in the table.