Everton are ready to spend ‘a few tens of millions’ to sign Habib Diarra from RC Strasbourg in the January transfer window.
That’s according to Foot Africa and Senegal 7, who both insist that Everton are keen to sign the 21-year-old midfielder.
First Foot Africa report that Diarra may not finish the season in France with Strasbourg, who he joined as a youngster in 2019. He’s worked his way up their various youth ranks since then and into the first team in 2022.
That’s because his tally of three goals and one assists in 15 games this season has won him the ‘admiration’ of several clubs but ‘notably Everton’.
They say that according to sources close to the matter, they would be willing to drop up to €20m to get the deal done this month. That is a figure which would ‘motivate’ the French side to let Diarra depart.
The Toffees face competition from Stade Rennais, who are yet to make a proposal but have a long-standing interest in the player that could become something concrete if Everton start moving.
Senegal 7, meanwhile, report that Diarra is ‘at the heart of a duel’ between Everton and Stade Rennais as his performances this season are attracting attention.
They say Everton have moved to position themselves quickly, making an offer of €20m for him as they look to rely on ‘proven talents’ moving forwards.
Such a figure was rejected by Strasbourg in the summer, but the situation has changed and it is now a fee that could convince them into a sale.
Stade Rennais, meanwhile, can’t compete with that figure but are hoping to offer Diarra an environment that would be conducive to his development and more playing time than Everton, a strategy which they hope will balance things in their favour.
Now, give the sources we’ll take this with a pinch of salt for now, but it seems there is confidence that Everton have made a bid and will be pushing to sign Diarra this month.
