The summer transfer window is nigh. Everton have one final Premier League match to play out this season, against Newcastle United on Tyneside, but 13th place has been sealed and Goodison Park has been left behind.
The air was blue but the mood was not last weekend, with The Toffees' victory over Southampton one of the most charged and emotional days in the club's modern history. A day of celebration.
David Moyes ensured it was so, having led the squad away from the lower levels of the Premier League after replacing Sean Dyche in January. The Scottish tactician will lead Everton into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and his sights will be set on progress.
While fans are excited about potential incomings, many are leaving at the end of their contracts and interest in star defender Jarrad Branthwaite remains too. Whether the English sensation stays or goes, Moyes wants a new centre-back.
Everton considering bid for new centre-back
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are weighing up a bid for Nantes centre-back Nathan Zeze, though they face fierce competition from Bournemouth, who have already submitted a verbal offer of around €20m (£17m) as they look to replace the Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen.
nathan-zeze-nantes
It's understood that the reason Everton have yet to make any concrete move stems from the ongoing reshuffle process, with the bosses internally deciding who should leave and who should stay.
As per the report, centre-back is deemed to be a 'priority' for the Toffees this summer, with the Friedkin Group ready to back Moyes in the market ahead of a fresh start next season.
Why Everton should sign Nathan Zeze
Veteran defender Michael Keane is among the many Everton first-teamers facing the end of their contract this summer, and he could be replaced by a younger man in Zeze.
Nathan Zeze in action for Nantes
Hailed as an "elite" youngster by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has the potential to reach the level of someone like Branthwaite, with a modern outlook and a left-footed preference that suggests he could even replace the England international, who has been courted by Manchester United over the past year, with Liverpool and Manchester City also among those to register their interest.
In a way, Zeze could become Moyes' own Branthwaite, arriving as a youngster and becoming one of the most talented defenders in the Premier League at an early age.
jarrad branthwaite
Zeze's development in France could positively impact his start to life at Everton. Take, for example, Branthwaite's 2022/23 loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. The renowned Premier League defender used that spell, 20 at the time, in Holland to foster his youthful talents, and he's now reaping the benefits of his toils.
That campaign also serves as a better yardstick than his English exploits, when comparing him with Zeze.
League Stats - Jarrad Branthwaite vs Nathan Zeze
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Touches*
Pass completion
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Clearances*
Duels (won)*
Data via Sofascore
As you can see, Zeze has arrived on the senior stage with a firm defensive quality, so strong in the duel and active in clearing danger away. Moreover, he's incredibly fierce in ball-winning situations, something that could be translated well into Moyes' system, where Branthwaite is thriving.
The teenager, who will turn 20 in June, has already played 35 times for the Nantes first team, his maturity underscored by recent weeks, playing every minute of five of his side's past six Ligue 1 matches, conceding only five goals in that period.
Branthwaite is the cream of Moyes' defensive crop, but Zeze has that 'elite' capacity which could propel him into the upper echelon of defenders in the Premier League.
The Friedkin Group just need to make sure they seal the deal before Bournemouth canvass a proposal the prospect can't resist.
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