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Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Transfers

Everton now want to sign £17m player who is hoping for a Premier League move this summer

Billy Meyers
Billy Meyers

Everton are still in the market for a new defender – despite the signing of Jake O’Brien.

Jarrad Branthwaite missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Roma as he continues his recovery from a minor groin operation, while Michael Keane sat alongside the England international with an injury of his own.

Therefore, Sean Dyche currently has little depth behind James Tarkowski and O’Brien.

These injuries – along with the fact Tottenham remain keen on signing Branthwaite – means a new central defender is needed, and Everton have now shortlisted an option from the Bundesliga…

Everton want Maxence Lacroix

A story from in Germany now claims that Everton want to sign Maxence Lacroix.

The VfL Wolfsburg No.4 looks set to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer, as he is refusing to sign a new contract with just 11 months remaining on his current deal.

BILD state that Lacroix dreams of playing in the Premier League, and the German news outlet believe a deal could be done for €20m (£17.1) due to Lacroix’s contract situation.

Brentford v VfL Wolfsburg - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

The Frenchman made 28 Bundesliga appearances last season, scoring four goals while also providing one assist.

Interestingly, Liverpool are also believed to be admirers of Lacroix as Arne Slot looks to replace Joel Matip this summer.

Crystal Palace could beat Sean Dyche to the Frenchman

While Liverpool are an obvious threat to Everton’s hopes of signing Lacroix, it sounds as if Crystal Palace are actually in pole position.

BILD add that the south Londoners are also keen to sign the 24-year-old this summer, and are buoyed by the fact it was Oliver Glasner who actually signed the central defender during his time at VfL Wolfsburg.

FC Bayern München v VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

The pair are said to have maintained a strong relationship, and as Newcastle close in on a deal to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, there is set to be a space for Lacroix in the backline at Selhurst Park.

READ MORE: Everton tried to sign £30.8m Brazilian forward before he joined Premier League rivals this summer

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Everton push to sign Lacroix.