Everton in battle to land Toulouse's Diop

This is exactly the type of signing Marcel Brands was brought in for. Admittedly, my knowledge of the player is limited to YouTube clips but he is very impressive none the less.

He appears to have everything as a centre-back, height, strength, pace, composure, great range of passing and the fact he was made captain of Toulouse and France Under-23s at the age of 21, suggests he has the intelligence and leadership qualities so often lacking from modern footballers. This kid for me has the potential to lead the back line for many years to come whilst also at an age where his price tag could triple in the next 2 or 3 years.

In an ideal world, if we can get this deal done and get rid of the woeful Michael Keane for a similar price, that would be a huge upgrade.

Agree with Phil, but can't determine if he is left-footed or not, but whilst researching, noticed that some sources are claiming a fee has already been agreed with West Ham.

He appears to have the sort of credentials we are seeking, if he is predominantly a left-sided defender.

The transfer market seems very quiet this window, I know it is for us, but other teams too seem either cautious, or perhaps with being a World Cup year are waiting to pounce.

Agree this lad looks a prospect, but I can't understand the clamor for us to buy another center half.

Keane and Jags looked good towards the end of the season, having Coleman & Baines with them helped no end. We still have Funes Mori, and for those worried about Jagielka being able to play we have Holgate, who we should be looking to build our defense around for years to come.

Agreed it isn't the best back line, but there are other areas to address before we look at center back (left back, winger and midfield).

The lure of London will always rule Everton out of the picture these days where a French player is concerned.

The lure of London is way more attractive to just about any millionaire young man.

Whether he is left footed is the key for me. I’m doubtful that Keane is going to be good enough, although he did help settle things down with Jags in the latter part of last season. Jags is getting on - and his passing is slow and substandard. I feel Funes Mori is too slow on the turn, and there seems to be a consensus about Williams.
I agree with the comment that Holgate is part of the solution, but we need a left footer.
I don’t expect anyone to agree with this, but I thought from the few glimpses I saw of him that Mangala might’ve fitted the bill. Perhaps his injury will rule him out anyway.

Center back is all about partnerships. In fact the entire back four is. Any young CB we bring in, regardless of how good he is, may take a season to 'settle in' so it will be a huge ask, even if we sign him, to expect him to become a first team regular. And that's really what we need.

We should not be too hasty with Michael Keane. He played in a team bereft of confidence and with an array of CB partners. As was mentioned, he looked better when paired with Jags toward the tail end of last season, and when Coleman and Baines were back. For me, Funes Mori and Williams need to be shipped out, with Keane and Jags, or young Mason Holgate occupying the CB roles. Holgate for me is a fantastic prospect - strength, great tackler and pace to burn. His recovery pace is also fantastic. He reminds me of a young Des Walker - whether he will develop into a truly top CB remains to be seen.

I'd bring another in, but not necessarily to go straight into the team but vie with Jags (who cannot go on forever) and Holgate to partner Keane.

If Baines gets phased out this season then it will further disrupt the backline, and too many changes there would be detrimental.

Hmm, I hadn't thought of Holgate being a bit like Des Walker.

I can see a touch of Walker in the boy, hope he plays alot more next season as he is very, very good.

Graham

Mangala – seriously, you cannot have watched him play for us.

Agreed on Holgate. Great potential. Got a bit of an edge to him which I like. Needs to become a bit more physical, that may come with maturity and age.

Diop looks a very promising player to my eyes, quick, strong, commanding and already with a wealth of first team games as captain.

Sounds like West Ham have almost wrapped this one up. If they get him and Felipe Anderson that’s a very good start to the transfer window by them. I expect them to challenge us next season for the 6-8th spots.

Tommy, Holgate could also be paired with someone else who brings height, aggression and physicality.

Derek 2
I love the idea of Kenwright being ready to pounce but I can’t shake the image of being savaged by a blancmange

Looks like he's going to West Ham with Pastore. These are two players I'd be looking at. William Carvalho doesn't look like much of an upgrade on what we already have.

Chop, chop Everton