Nantes defender Nathan Zeze is a highly regarded defensive talent and is supposedly one of a number of players Toffees manager David Moyes is casting his eye over.
Although [most Evertonians](https://princerupertstower.com/everton-rivals-moving-closer-to-signing-30-million-striker-01jvz1ge4nth) would regard the team's stuttering attack as the key area of the side that needs strengthening in the summer, Moyes is known to be looking hard at defensive reinforcements too.
That is because Michael Keane is almost certain to leave as his contract expires next month, and James Tarkowski, despite his sterling service since he signed from Burnley, has played nearly every minute since joining, is over 30, and has suffered a serious injury recently.
So, were Keane to leave and Tarkowski to get hurt again, that would leave the Blues boss seriously short of numbers at centre-back, especially if Tarkowski was out again for any length of time.
Of course, the other unknown would be the future of Jarrad Branthwaite. Speculation has been relentless over the last few months about whether he will be leaving the club for pastures new.
Manchester United are known to be interested in him and tried to sign the former Carlise youth product last year.
Everton certainly don't need to sell the 22-year-old star as he has signed a contract until 2027, and with new owners in charge, the Toffees are in a much stronger financial position than they have been for a long time.
However, a bid from another club of around £60-70 million would be tempting, providing Moyes with an even more substantial war chest in what will be a hugely important summer transfer window for the club.
Zeze would not presumably be a like-for-like replacement for Branthwaite given his lack of Premier League experience, although he is a left-footed defender very comfortable on the ball, just like the Englishman.
But, were [this speculation](https://www.teamtalk.com/everton/rival-bournemouth-ligue-1-starlet-rangers-ace-wanted-by-toffees-after-double-exit) about the Nantes defender to prove accurate, it might provide more fuel to the rumours that Branthwaite will indeed be available for the right fee this summer.