Everton have reportedly joined Leeds United in the race to sign French forward Martin Terrier from Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais this summer.
According to the Express, Everton have joined the race to sign Stade Rennais attacker Martin Terrier. The Frenchman is attracting interest from Leeds United as well following a goal-laden last season in Ligue 1, with Les Rouge et Noir demanding around £34 million to part ways with him.
Terrier joined Rennes in the 2020 summer transfer window from Lyon and has since made 83 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit across all competitions. His goalscoring form has been quite impressive, as he has netted 30 times for the club and has also provided 15 assists to boot.
Last season was especially prolific as the 25-year-old striker scored 21 goals in Ligue 1, finishing joint-third in the scoring chart for the season. On the back of a solid campaign, the attacker has started attracting interest from all over Europe, and especially from the Premier League, compelling Rennes to demand £34 million for him.
West Ham United and Leeds United were among the first clubs to make an approach, but the Hammers have now signed Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo and have thus stepped out of Terrier’s pursuit. But Everton have joined the Whites in the French attacker’s pursuit.
Terrier prefers to play on the wing but is adept at playing all across the frontline, including as a centre-forward. He still has three years left on his current contract with the Ligue 1 club, who have insisted that he is not for sale despite slapping a £34 million price tag on him.
Rennes executive president Olivier Cloarec recently claimed that Terrier wants to stay at the club and thus a summer move is out of the question. “Today, there is not even a Martin Terrier situation. He wants to stay at Stade Rennais and we are very happy with him. We want to keep him, so there is no subject to discuss,” Cloarec told TVR.
However, as per the report, Rennes value Terrier at £34 million and are expected to discuss a potential sale should a club approach them with a suitable offer. Some reports had even linked Liverpool with a move for Terrier, with the Reds looking at him as a replacement for Sadio Mane, who moved to Bayern Munich this summer.
But Everton, who are in the market for a replacement for Richarlison, and Leeds United, who need an alternative for Patrick Bamford, will likely be the front-runners in the race to sign the French attacker. That said, it remains to be seen if the two Premier League clubs will be ready to fork out £34 million to sign Terrier.
