Football

Ligue 1 club desperately trying to stop Everton signing “exceptional” star

Everton are now showing serious interest in signing an “exceptional” Ligue 1 midfielder, having set out to bring in a new face in the centre of the park this summer.

David Moyes calls for “big” summer transfer window

The Toffees’ form tailed off towards the back end of the Premier League season, enduring a seven-game winless run, and David Moyes has suggested a lack of strength in depth was responsible, exacerbating the need for reinforcements in the upcoming window.

Moyes said: “We need a big summer again as a football club. We need to have a big summer where we can build on it. We’re showing it doesn’t take much. It just needs a couple of your better players to lose a little bit of form, and it can quickly change your results and how you do.”

There have been suggestions the Scot doesn’t need to bring in a new midfielder this summer, given that he is already well-stocked in that area of the pitch.

Scout Tom Long said: “Thought of the day: I’m not convinced Everton desperately need another centre midfielder now. Pairing Dewsbury-Hall with Garner, plus Armstrong and Iroegbunam as options, already gives balance and energy. For me, the bigger missing piece seems to be a genuine No.10.”

However, the Merseysiders have now set their sights on a Ligue 1 star.

Everton very keen on signing “exceptional” midfielder

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton are now showing serious interest in signing Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau, and they have already carried out detailed checks, with rival Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Brentford and Brighton also keen.

However, Mukau remains under contract with the French side until 2028, and they are desperate to keep hold of him, having recently secured qualification for next season’s Champions League courtesy of a third-placed finish in Ligue 1.

The 21-year-old, who is set to jet off to the World Cup with DR Congo, is able to play in deeper and more advanced central midfield roles, and he has been lauded as “exceptional” by scout Antonio Mango.

The youngster remained an important player for Lille throughout the campaign, making 30 Ligue 1 appearances, and he won possession in the final third an average of 0.8 times per 90, which is the third-highest in the squad.

That said, the Lille star remains unproven in England, and Everton are also keen on signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who recently won the Championship Player of the Season award, off the back of picking up five goals and eight assists in 38 games.

As such, should Moyes feel the need to strengthen in midfield, Hackney could be a more suitable signing, but targets have also been identified in a number of other positions.