£30m Everton target appears to have ruled out joining David Moyes on Instagram

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Everton fans are optimistic about the summer ahead, but it looks like one target has already gone begging.

Everton have enjoyed a comfortable end to the 2024/25 campaign following a terrific impact by David Moyes.

The Toffees were in a world of trouble under Sean Dyche, but Moyes came in as his successor in January and not only stabilised things, but got Everton to really kick on.

It is now about looking ahead to next season and building on what the Scot has achieved.

And a player Everton have had eyes on in recent weeks is Maxime Esteve of Burnley.

Everton need at least two new centre-backs this summer, especially with Michael Keane out of contract. That said, Keane has yet to hold talks with Everton, and an extension is not out of the question.

Esteve is admired by Everton – but the defender last night appeared to deal Moyes a big blow.

Maxime Esteve appears to rule out Everton transfer with new Instagram post

Esteve has just finished a fantastic season with Burnley, which culminated in the Clarets being promoted to the Premier League.

Scott Parker’s side finished in second due to having a worse goal difference than Leeds United. But they were far and away the best defensive team in the division, conceding just 16 goals in their 46 games.

Esteve – valued at around £30 million – was a huge part of their defensive solidity, and the fact he’s had a lot of interest from other clubs is no surprise.

Esteve has been touted as a possible replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton, with the Englishman on the radars of some top clubs.

But the hope for fans has been that Esteve would arrive to potential partner him, not replace him.

But that does not seem particularly likely now, with Esteve making a pretty definitive post on Instagram last night.

He wrote: “Where we deserved to be. An incredible season, centurions, the record for clean sheets, goals conceded, and above all the return to the Premier League that we had promised you.

“Thank you all for your magnificent support throughout the year, both at Turf Moor and on the road.

“I look forward to seeing you again for another exciting season! Up the Clarets!”

Everton must now look at alternatives

It seems clear from the way Esteve rounded off his post on Instagram that he is going nowhere this summer.

The Frenchman has just had an excellent campaign, and is seemingly ready to test himself in the Premier League again with Burnley.

He has built a rock-solid partnership with CJ Egan-Riley at Turf Moor, and if Burnley don’t change the way they play, they will stand a good chance of staying up next term.

Everton must now shift their focus to other targets.

Everton like Yan Bisseck of Inter Milan, although that could be a tough deal to complete. But there’s also been links to the likes of Koni De Winter and David Hancko, so hopefully we’ll see one of those players pitching up at Bramley-Moore Dock for 2025/26.