With just one game left until the season ends, Everton have already started work on recruitment.
The Toffees want a new full-back after Seamus Coleman announced his departure from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton recently made an enquiry over Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest – while Arsenal No.4 Ben White is also admired by the Toffees.
The centre of defence is also under consideration by The Friedkin Group with James Tarkowski and Michael Keane both turning 34 next season – and it seems Maxime Esteve is wanted to freshen up that area of the squad.
What would you say to Angus Kinnear after THAT loss to Sunderland? 😤
Something has to change… 😭
Everton holding talks to sign Maxime Esteve from Burnley
L’Equipe now state that the Burnley No.5 has the choice to sign for Everton.
The French news outlet believe Everton are holding talks to sign Esteve after Burnley agreed to let the Frenchman leave Turf Moor in the wake of relegation to the Championship.
The 23-year-old also has the opportunity to sign for Bournemouth or Nottingham Forest, while Bayer Leverkusen are keen to bring the central defender to Germany.
L’Equipe say Burnley have agreed to sell Esteve – who Everton have wanted since 2024 – and the Clarets are simply negotiating with interested parties to try and get the best deal for themselves.
Those at Turf Moor are in a fairly strong negotiating position despite suffering relegation, considering the centre-back is under contract until July 2030.
L’Equipe do not state how much Burnley want for Esteve, but having spent €15m (£13m) to sign the France U21 international from Montpellier in May 2024 after he spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan, the Clarets will presumably seek to – at the very least – get their money back.
Esteve has made 34 Premier League appearances for Burnley this season, and is crucially a left-footed central defender, something Moyes does not have in his squad besides Jarrad Branthwaite.
What do you think is Jarrad Branthwaite’s best position? 🤔
Moyes is convinced he's just as good at left-back… 😬
Branthwaite is currently recovering from yet another hamstring injury, so the interest in Esteve could be a way to ensure Everton can maintain a balanced backline without having to overuse the England international.
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