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Everton are ready to give up on their late pursuit of Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The Blues have seen two bids rejected by Watford for the midfielder and are not expected to return with a third offer .

But Marco Silva is still keen to bolster his midfield options if players depart with James McCarthy set to leave for Crystal Palace and Morgan Schneiderlin's future uncertain.

(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Silva worked with Doucoure when in charge at Vicarage Road and has wanted to be reunited with him ever since taking charge at Goodison.

But Watford, who are believed to have knocked back a second bid of around £36m, are refusing to sell the 26-year-old so late in the window and have told Everton the offer fell below their valuation of the player.

It has left Everton in need of looking elsewhere as Silva wants to ensure the squad is not left short in the centre of the pitch if players leave in the next 24 hours.

New signing Fabian Delph is a doubt for the Premier League opener on Saturday against Crystal Palace while fellow summer recruit Jean-Phillipe Gbamin admits he may not be ready in time for the trip to Selhurst Park.