According to latest reports, Everton are after the signature of Ligue 1 defender Issa Diop. The 21-year-old plies his trade for Toulouse and he helped his side in continuing their run in the top division as they won the relegation playoffs. The 6ft 4inches tall defender has been linked with a move to various European giants including Barcelona and the defender is likely to leave the French outfit in the summer.
The Toffees have appointed Marco Silva as their new manager and he will be looking to bring in more stability in defence. Last season, Sam Allardyce preferred Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane for the most part of the season and the signing of Diop will certainly boost their options in the centre back position.
The French club will be demanding £26m for their defensive ace and it remains to be seen whether The Toffees will be willing to spend that much on a player who is still untested in Premier League. However, under the new ownership of Farhad Moshiri, we have seen the Merseyside club splash the cash to get their targets.
Given his size and stature, he has a good technical ability and is comfortable on the ball. He is strong in the air and has a physical presence at the back. The French side rate him highly and just at the age of 21, he has even captained Toulouse. He was a regular feature for them at the back as he racked up 41 appearances in all competitions and even managed 3 goals.
Marco Silva will have a decision to make regarding the future of Ramiro Funes Mori and Ashley Williams. Williams has indicated that he has been left frustrated at Goodison Park as he failed to get regular game time in the latter half of the season. The Merseyside club are also linked with Eliaquim Mangala who signed for them on loan in the winter transfer window. However, his time was cut short as he got injured in February and was ruled out for the season.
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Jagielka is 35 and will be entering in his last year of the contract. Everton will be in need of a defender who can be a long-term replacement and will be a leader at the back. Diop has all that abilities to do that and after getting a little bit of experience in the Premier League, he can certainly be a great asset for his side for years to come. However, it remains to be seen whether the Merseyside club will be able to lure him as some top European clubs are also after his signature.
