Everton and West Ham United are vying for French defender Maxime Esteve from relegated Burnley ahead of the summer.
According to L’Equipe, Maxime Esteve could get his chance of returning to the Premier League despite only making his Burnley move permanent. Everton and West Ham United are keen to sign the 22-year-old Frenchman, with either club looking at defensive requirements.
Everton, West Ham in Maxime Esteve tussle
Maxime Esteve movedmoved to Burnley on a short loan in JanuaryJanuary, with the now-relegated Lancashire club likely holding an option to make the move permanent. The 22-year-old Frenchman waswas an excellent addition to Vincent Kompany’s side then and played every game until the club’s eventual demotion at the end of the campaign.
Despite dropping down to the second division, they have indeed taken up the option to sign Esteve on a permanent basis for a fee of €12 million. With the defender likely to be on a long-term deal, the Clarets might not be opposed to immediately selling him for profit, with at least two Premier League sides in ,Everton, and West Ham United, keen.
Esteve might jump at the opportunity to sign for a new Premier League side and not play in the Championship. His left-footed profile does have some value in this current market, as a host of clubs, including the Hammers and Everton, are looking at such a player.
Esteve will be an excellent addition to West Ham, Everton
The Hammers have reached an agreement with Fabrico Bruno, the 28-year-old Flamengo defender, as Julen Lopetegui looks to shore up his weak-looking backline. There are some doubts about the futures of Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna, meaning the Hammers are in need of at least two new centre-backs.
What Esteve might bring is his profile, which the Hammers severely need to improve, like few other teams in the division. However, Everton are likely to challenge them for the signing of the 22-year-old Frenchman, with the Toffees also looking to shore up their defence with a new centre-back.
The Toffees might anticipate offers for Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer, and should the centre-back depart, then replacing him will become necessary. Esteve could be seen as a direct replacement for the young centre-back, as Everton will undoubtedly have the money to do a deal with Burnley.
