Earlier on Tuesday, we covered a claim in L’Equipe stating that Crystal Palace were one of the frontrunners to sign Alban Lafont from Toulouse this summer after ‘multiple contacts’ with his entourage.
While that was exciting enough, it appears Roy Hodgson has fallen in love with more than one player in the south of France, as the manager has been keeping an eye on the goalkeeper’s team-mate Issa Diop.
As well as the Eagles, Everton have also taken an avid interest in the 21-year-old centre-back, with L’Equipe reporting both sides, as well as West Ham, have spent time scouting him over the course of the past campaign.
Described as a ‘rational’ man, Diop is said to be aware that he needs to leave Toulouse to further his career, and clubs like Crystal Palace and the Toffees could be ideal for him to continue to grow as a footballer.
Already the Ligue 1 side’s captain despite being so young, it goes without saying a regular starting spot would have to be promised in order to get a deal over the line.
Looking at the two sides, perhaps Everton have a greater chance of offering that, with most of their backline on the wrong side of 30, but who knows what Roy Hodgson has planned for the upcoming 2018-19 season.
