Everton boss David Moyes watching on from the touchline
Everton are interested in signing defender Axel Tuanzebe, who is a free agent after leaving Burnley this summer, according to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs.
Tuanzebe impressed in glimpses last season despite the Clarets' relegation, although he was limited to just 14 Premier League appearances as he dealt with persistent injury issues. This hasn't prevented several clubs showing interest in the player, including the Toffees, Brentford and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
David Moyes is in the market for defensive reinforcements as he looks to build upon last year's mid-table finish and mount a challenge for a European place.
The Scotsman and the hierarchy at the Hill Dickinson Stadium feel Tuanzebe would be an astute addition to their squad, and have subsequently expressed their interest to the 28-year-old's camp.
Everton Interested in Signing Axel Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe
Everton have been relatively quiet so far this summer, with Hayden Hackney's acquisition from Middlesbrough and Christian Norgaard from Arsenal their only new additions up to this point. Permanent deals for Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl have also been secured, but the Toffees are going to need to make some serious additions before now and the end of the window if they want to push for European qualification next term.
Ben Jacobs reports that Everton are among the list of clubs looking to sign free agent Tuanzebe. The DR Congo international is weighing up several options having recently returned from the World Cup, with Brentford and clubs in the Saudi Pro League also in the race to land his signature.
Tuanzebe, who was described as 'rock solid' by FIFA, spent just one year at Burnley, signing on a bosman from Ipswich Town last summer. Since leaving Manchester United in 2021, he's bounced from club to club, enjoying stints at Aston Villa, Napoli, Stoke, and then Ipswich and Burnley.
Everton may present him with a more permanent place to call home, with the stability offered by the north-west club potentially helping them fend off more lucrative offers from the Middle East.
Should Everton Be Targeting Tuanzebe Over a Right-Back?
David Moyes
Additional depth is never a negative thing, and if Everton can secure Tuanzebe on relatively modest wages, then it's not a bad signing by any means. That said, the Toffees already boast a plethora of options at the heart of their defence, including the following:
James Tarkowski
Michael Keane
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jake O'Brien
Elijah Campbell
Moyes' squad has been crying out for a right-back for some time, and while O'Brien has done an adequate job in this role, this ought to be their priority in terms of defensive reinforcements.
West Ham United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka was linked with a switch to Merseyside earlier this summer, and the DR Congo star would certainly fit the bill.