Monaco turn to surprise €10m sale after Everton’s Balogun deal collapsed

Monaco are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sell highly-rated midfielder Pape Cabral to Al-Ahli as they look to raise funds following Folarin Balogun's dramatic failed move to Everton.

L'Equipe reports that talks over the 19-year-old have accelerated, with a deal worth around €10million now being discussed.

The unexpected development comes just days after Monaco saw two significant Premier League sales collapse on Deadline Day, leaving the Ligue 1 club needing to find alternative ways to balance their finances.

Monaco had expected to receive a substantial fee from Everton for Balogun.

The clubs initially encountered problems after Everton raised concerns during the striker's medical, but negotiations resumed and an agreement was eventually reached. The necessary club paperwork was completed after an extension to the deadline.

Balogun, however, ultimately refused to complete the transfer after being unhappy with how Everton had handled concerns over his fitness.

His decision did more than simply end Everton's search for the striker.

Monaco had been relying on the income and now need to raise money to satisfy financial requirements imposed by France's DNCG.

The Balogun situation also contributed to the collapse of Lamine Camara's proposed £47m move to Chelsea.

Chelsea had reached an agreement with Monaco for the midfielder while Balogun's Everton transfer was uncertain. Once Monaco believed the American's sale was back on, they withdrew Camara from the Chelsea deal.

Ultimately, neither transfer happened.

Monaco are now exploring other departures, and Cabral has unexpectedly emerged as a candidate.

Negotiations with Al-Ahli are advancing around a €10m transfer, according to L'Equipe.

General manager Thiago Scuro had already acknowledged that Monaco could sanction other departures following the failed Camara and Balogun deals.

The Saudi Arabian transfer window remaining open gives Monaco an important opportunity to raise funds despite the European market having closed.

Cabral could now become the player sacrificed as Monaco deal with the financial consequences of a chaotic Deadline Day.

Monaco and Al-Ahli will attempt to finalise Cabral's transfer while the Saudi window remains open.

For Monaco, the priority is now financial as much as sporting. After unexpectedly losing the income anticipated from Balogun and Camara, further departures could follow if they are required to satisfy the DNCG.