Everton open talks to sign Ligue 1 defender; negotiations well underway

With their Goodison Park farewell complete, Everton have reportedly turned their attention towards a new era and reportedly signing a defensive reinforcement for David Moyes’ side.

Everton bid farewell to Goodison Park

On an emotional day, Everton’s men’s team said their farewell to one of the most historic grounds in English football history in style, easing past relegated Southampton 2-0. Signing off in style, it will now be all eyes on a new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and one that The Friedkin Group will be desperate to see become full of success.

The farewells haven’t ended there, however, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ashley Young also announcing that they’re set to leave Everton when the summer arrives.

Manager David Moyes was among those to share praise for Doucoure, telling Everton’s official website: “Doucs has been an influential player throughout his time at the Club, including since I returned as manager, and Evertonians will always be grateful for his dedication and crucial goals. Everyone at Everton thanks Doucs for his service and wishes him all the best for the future.”

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The Frenchman was full of emotion as he came off for the final time in an Everton shirt and there’s no doubt that he’ll be tough to replace in this summer’s transfer window.

The same, meanwhile, will be said for Jarrad Branthwaite if he departs in the coming months. Having often been linked with a move away throughout his Everton career, the rumours have already commenced ahead of this summer and there will certainly be nerves surrounding the centre-back’s future once again.

However, this time around, it does at least seem as though there is a plan in place in the event that the defensive star heads elsewhere in the coming months, with one Ligue 1 star reportedly on Friedkin’s radar.

Everton in talks to sign Diomande

According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have now opened talks to sign Sinaly Diomande from AJ Auxerre, with negotiations now well underway. The 24-year-old has popped up on the Toffees’ radar following a solid campaign at Auxerre, in which his side finished 11th in Ligue 1 despite only earning promotion to France’s first tier last season.

If there were any concerns that Diomande wouldn’t have the quality to ease any potential Branthwaite concerns, then this season’s numbers should put those to bed in an instant.

In possession, Diomande is particularly impressive when compared to Branthwaite – even outperforming the Everton man for progressive passes in less starts. If Everton are looking to step beyond relegation worries and mid-table mediocrity, then signing a defender capable of progressing that play at such a level could prove to be crucial.

Ahead of what could be a busy summer, signing Diomande may well be the perfect way for Friekdin and Everton to start.