Four Everton targets revealed as David Moyes eyes replacement for exit-bound star

Everton will look to sign a new centre-back this summer to replace a defender who’s likely to leave, while TEAMtalk understands they could also move for a Premier League left-back.

The Toffees are in for a busy transfer window in which 13 first team players could leave, with eight set to be out of contract and five loanees who may not be signed permanently.

One of the players who is set to be out of contract is centre-back Michael Keane, and sources state that he is unlikely to be offered a contract extension by Everton.

The 32-year-old came off the bench to replace an injured James Tarkowski against Manchester City on Saturday but played poorly, making multiple mistakes in his 40 minutes on the pitch.

It remains to be seen how involved Keane will be in the remainder of the season, but he will likely depart Everton as a free agent in the coming months. Jake O’Brien, who has performed well at right-back for Everton, could move into the centre-back position in Tarkowski’s absence, to play alongside Jarrad Branthwaite.

TEAMtalk understands that Saudi club Al-Riyadh have previously shown interest in Keane, but he wasn’t keen on a move to Saudi at the time. Wolves also made an enquiry for Keane in January but decided against a move. It’s unclear whether either side will reignite their interest in Keane this summer. MLS could also be an option for the 12-time capped England international, with FC Dallas another side to have looked at him.

Everton are already planning for the centre-back’s departure and have been looking at several potential replacements ahead of what will be a crucial transfer window for David Moyes and his team.

Everton interested in three centre-backs – sources

Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve has been linked with Everton in the past few months and TEAMtalk can confirm that the Toffees are interested in the 22-year-old.