Everton seek deal for Maxime Esteve

Everton are being linked with a summer move for Maxime Estève, with the Burnley centre-back emerging as a serious defensive target ahead of the transfer window.

The French defender has been one of Burnley's standout performers despite a difficult campaign, and his future now looks uncertain following relegation. Everton are expected to strengthen at centre-back this summer, and Estève fits the kind of profile David Moyes usually values: tall, aggressive, left-footed, Premier League tested and still young enough to improve.

At 23, Estève already has a strong amount of senior experience. He joined Burnley from Montpellier and quickly became an important part of their back line. Even in a struggling side, he has shown composure, aerial strength and the ability to defend under pressure for long spells. That matters, because Everton will want defenders who can handle difficult periods in games, not just look good when the team is comfortable.

His season stats help explain the interest. Estève has made around 33 to 34 Premier League appearances this campaign, starting almost every match and playing close to 2,900 minutes. He has averaged roughly 1.3 tackles, 3.4 ball recoveries and 6.5 clearances per game. He has also won around 64 per cent of his ground duels and 68 per cent of his aerial duels, which shows the physical reliability Everton would be buying.

That aerial record is especially important. Everton have traditionally valued centre-backs who can dominate both boxes, and Estève has the size and timing to become a major set-piece weapon as well as a defensive leader. He is not just a stopper, though. He is comfortable enough on the ball to play out from the back, and as a left-footer, he would bring balance to the defence.

The fee could be the difficult part. Estève signed a long-term Burnley contract until 2030, so the club have protection. However, relegation changes the conversation. Burnley may need to sell, and Estève may feel he has done enough to remain in the Premier League. His value is believed to be around £20m to £25m, although Burnley could push higher if several clubs make contact.

Everton are not alone. Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have also been linked, while clubs in France are likely to keep an eye on his situation.