Everton have been rather cutthroat in their transfer activity this summer, never deterred by any failures, and always one step ahead of such misfortune.
After all, the Toffees clearly wanted Jaden Philogene, and pushed hard for his signature. Yet since Aston Villa won the race, numerous other targets have since sprung up as ample alternatives.
Similarly, with Amadou Onana having departed earlier this month, a whole host of defensive midfielders are now on the agenda, with Everton’s interest in Kalvin Phillips at the forefront of the news cycle.
There could now be a bit of competition in that latter vacancy though, with this latest claim outlining a brand-new target.
Everton accelerate plans for long-term target
Everton’s latest transfer conquest could see them dip back into the French market for a long-time target of theirs, with L’Equipe the source in this particular instance.
A well-regarded news outlet, they suggest that the Toffees are set to finally make their move for Habib Diarra, a player who has interested plenty of Premier League teams in the past.
They claim: ‘Strasbourg continues to claim that Habib Diarra (20 years old, under contract until 2028) will not leave the club this summer. But will the position of the Alsatians be able to resist an English offer? Everton could draw a proposal in the coming days.
‘The English side have been interested in the Senegalese international for several months and are working behind the scenes to bring him in. A year after blocking his player’s departure from Lens, the RCSA still does not intend to open the door. The will of the midfielder could be decisive.’
Who is Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra?
Although Diarra might be a name unknown to many, the scouts of plenty of Premier League clubs certainly know who he is.
After all, he is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe, as a versatile midfielder capable of dictating the play from deep or creating chances further up the pitch.
Many might wonder why Everton would therefore stand a chance with such widespread interest, but Kevin Thelwell could merely point to Onana as a shining example of the pathway they could provide, giving players a leg up from Ligue 1 into the Premier League, enjoying their talents, and then relinquishing them if necessary for huge fees.
Diarra is a truly special talent though, and despite only turning 20 this year, he is already regular for RC Strasbourg in the engine room.
Last season, a tough one for the French side, he still came up with four goal contributions as he was forced to revert into a more all-around asset, adding 3.6 ball recoveries per game to his game too.
A silky dribbler when in possession, using his 5 foot 10 frame to balance his way through challenges, he blends such aesthetic wonder with a solid passing range and a physical presence that would allow him to compete in the Premier League with ease.
There are drawbacks to his game, but at such a young age, that is to be expected.
Perhaps Thelwell and Sean Dyche are willing to take another punt on this midfield talent in order to further his development and see whether he can either lead them up the league table or leave for a huge fee.
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