Everton have expressed interest in signing prolific French international centre-forward Esteban Lepaul from Rennes, according to TEAMtalk.
Described as ‘very complete’ by Rennes manager Franck Haise, Lepaul has emerged as one of France’s most prolific centre-forwards, which has led to his inclusion in Zinedine Zidane’s Les Bleus squad in the recently concluded international break.
The 26-year-old began his footballing career with Baldenheim and Colmar before moving to Lyon’s academy at 15, where he came through the ranks.
However, he never made a first-team appearance and was released for free to join Championnat National 2 side SAS Épinal, where he scored 19 goals in 28 games.
He also spent two seasons on loan at US Orléans before joining Angers permanently in 2024. He impressed with the French club, netting 17 goals, and it didn’t take long before Rennes swooped for his signature the following summer.
Since arriving at Rennes, Lepaul has arguably been Ligue 1’s best centre-forward, notably winning the Ligue 1 top scorer award after netting 21 goals.
He has continued his prolific form in the current campaign, where he has netted four goals in six games for Rennes, with his goal-scoring prowess catching the eye of several clubs.
One of the clubs now eyeing a move for Lepaul is Everton, according to TEAMtalk, which claims that the Toffees have entered the race to sign the centre-forward.
‘Very complete’ attacker
The report adds that the Merseyside giants have made checks on the 26-year-old and have been linked with extensive scouting on the 26-year-old, although any potential move depends on Rennes.
While other clubs, including Leeds United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brentford, are also interested in Lepaul, Everton are currently showing the strongest interest in signing the French international, as per TEAMtalk.
After missing out on European football last season, Everton’s performances so far this season suggest the club remain keen to qualify for Europe.
David Moyes’ side currently sits in fifth place and remains one of only three teams to remain unbeaten alongside Brentford and Manchester City.
However, their attacking output remains a concern: they’ve scored only eight goals this season, the lowest in the top five and joint second-lowest in the top ten.
While Thierno Barry is responsible for three of those goals, adding a prolific forward like Lepaul would give the manager more firepower to improve his team’s goal-scoring output.
Having just recently extended his contract with Rennes, a deal won’t be easy, so Everton will need to submit a formal offer above his £37m Transfermarkt valuation.
