Seasons2017-18Rumour Mill
Everton in battle to land Toulouse's Diop
The Mirror and Sky Sports report that West Ham have a deal in principle agreed with the towering centre-half and L'Equipe corroborate that by suggesting the London club have indeed opened the bidding but the Blues retain a strong interest along with Marseille, Monaco and German side RB Leipzig.
The 6' 4" Frenchman is valued at around £25m.
Reader Comments (13)
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2 Posted 14/06/2018 at 08:21:36
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.
3 Posted 14/06/2018 at 09:24:16
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).
4 Posted 14/06/2018 at 09:25:26
5 Posted 14/06/2018 at 09:34:56
6 Posted 14/06/2018 at 10:40:45
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.
7 Posted 14/06/2018 at 11:58:22
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.
8 Posted 14/06/2018 at 20:31:33
I can see a touch of Walker in the boy, hope he plays alot more next season as he is very, very good.
9 Posted 14/06/2018 at 21:13:03
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.
10 Posted 14/06/2018 at 21:22:35
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.
11 Posted 14/06/2018 at 21:25:29
12 Posted 16/06/2018 at 08:54:02
I love the idea of Kenwright being ready to pounce but I can't shake the image of being savaged by a blancmange
13 Posted 16/06/2018 at 20:16:30
Chop, chop Everton
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1 Posted 14/06/2018 at 07:21:56
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.