David Moyes’ scouting mission has failed as £30m Everton target set to sign a new contract

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David Moyes’ Everton transfer plan isn’t quite what he expected at this point of the window.

It looks like no more signings will be done before Everton start their Premier League Summer Series in America.

Some gruelling tests await Moyes’ side as Man United, Bournemouth, and West Ham will be a good test to see where the Scotsman’s squad are at before the start of the season.

Well, after two disappointing openers in pre-season, it hasn’t started well, and Moyes was deep in conversation with Angus Kinnear.

There seems to be a standstill in how Everton are going about things, and this has only got worse for Moyes.

Everton target Maxime Esteve set for new Burnley contract

Defensively, this season is where Everton are probably looking strongest.

Moyes will want some full-back depth, but after Everton pinned down Jarrad Branthwaite’s new contract, the stability at the back remains.

It’s arguably been the best bit of business from The Friedkin Group this summer, alongside Thierno Barry, but another defender they could have brought in was Maxime Esteve.

The French centre-back from Burnley was rated highly by the Toffees as Moyes personally watched Esteve in action.

The interest has been high in the 23-year-old with Esteve rated at £30m, but it appears he’s going nowhere for the foreseeable.

This comes after Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas reported that the talented centre-half will be penning an improved contract with the Clarets.

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Everton can wait for cheaper Esteve deal next season

As £30m has been talked up from Everton’s point of view, there was no need to even be linked with a centre-back.

James Tarkowski and Branthwaite can hold the fort for the next few years as The Friedkins continue to improve other areas before focusing on their key defensive roles.

Esteve has been compared to Rio Ferdinand, but this doesn’t compare to Branthwaite, who has been rated at £70m.

The silver lining to missing out on the French defender is that his value could drop next season if Burnley’s likely relegation occurs, which will then give Moyes the time to strike on a deal that isn’t needed for the time being.