Everton could receive Niels Nkounkou transfer payout as 'soap opera' unfolds

Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly had a second bid for former Everton defender Niels Nkounkou rejected - and the Blues may be watching on with interest.

According to L'Equipe, Dino Toppmöller's side have been rebuffed in their approach to sign the Frenchman, currently plying his trade in France's second tier with Saint-Etienne.

It has been suggested that he is already wanting to depart the Ligue 2 outfit, despite only securing his permanent switch to Les Verts at the beginning of June. The French outlet claims that Nkounkou has no intentions of remaining in the division and is keen on a move to the 2022 Europa League winners.

In their report, L'Equipe say that Saint-Etienne have rejected a deal worth €6m (£5m) plus €3m in add-ons - with claims that Everton could earn 30 per cent of any 'capital gain' on the resale of the defender.

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The article goes on to say that a "soap opera" around Nkounkou's future is ongoing - and is "at the risk of interfering with the start of the season" for Saint-Etienne.

Nkounkou enjoyed a successful campaign with the 10-time French top-flight champions last term. He made 20 league appearances scoring six times and turning provider on eight occasions. During his time with Everton, he embarked on loans to Standard Liege and Cardiff City prior to his switch to Saint-Etienne.

Last month, Nkounkou admitted at one stage during his time on Merseyside he was "living a dream" when Carlo Ancelotti convinced him to make the move from Marseille's ranks. However under Frank Lampard, doubts began to creep in.

"When you hear Ancelotti, it's