Everton now want to sign 23-year-old midfielder Batista Mendy from French outfit Angers SEO who were relegated from Ligue 1 last season.
The versatile midfielder, who has also emerged as a potential target for Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, could be available at a discount price due to Angers’ relegation.
Indeed, Mendy, who can operate as a defensive midfielder but can also play at centre-back, has just one year remaining on his current contract in France.
That is according to French publication L’Equipe, who claim that the Premier League trio of interested clubs hope to take advantage of Angers’ relegation to lower their asking price, which stands at just under £6m.
Though the report does not state who among the interested clubs leads the race for his signature, it is no secret that Everton will be looking to rebuild their squad this summer.
Everton could utilise the versatile Mendy as massive squad rebuild is necessary
Abdoulaye Doucoure recently extended his stay at Goodison Park by one more year, but the future of Amadou Onana remains unresolved.
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Meanwhile, many of Everton’s midfield fringe players face uncertain futures this summer, with the likes of Tom Davies, Andre Gomes and Jean-Phillipe Gbamin all linked with departing the club.
At the back, Everton bid farewell to Yerry Mina as his contract expired and Conor Coady, who returned to Wolves following a season on loan.
Consequently, the Blues will need investment at centre-half, so Mendy may well be viewed as a defensive addition, rather than a midfielder.
Mendy featured in 38 games in all competitions for Angers last season, with 35 of those being league games, indicating a reliable presence within the squad.
As the transfer season gathers pace, Everton will no doubt find themselves linked with a host of players, though the club must be shrewd this summer and avoid mistakes of years gone by.
Strengthening the depleted forward line must take priority while the club’s options at full-back also need refreshing.