Everton are preparing to make a formal offer to sign Atletico Madrid star Robin Le Normand this summer, according to Fichajes.
The Toffees have had an excellent campaign under David Moyes in their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the side currently sitting in eighth place in the Premier League table, just six points off the top five ahead of the midweek round of fixtures.
But the club are already looking at ways to strengthen the squad for next season, and the Spain international has emerged as a key target for the defence, with the club looking to get ahead of any competition for his signature.
Everton Want to Sign Le Normand
Robin Le Normand playing for Atletico Madrid
Le Normand, who Diego Simeone has described as 'outstanding'. has struggled for regular first-team minutes so far this season, making 11 starts in La Liga so far alongside four starts in the Champions League, registering one goal in each competition in the process.
But the former Real Sociedad star, who is now 29, is down the pecking order and his performances have failed to convince the coaching staff at the Wanda Metropolitano, which could see him moved on in the summer.
Everton are one of the clubs who are showing a great appreciation for his qualities, and Moyes is keen to add more defensive stability to the side to compete with the ageing Michael Keane and James Tarkowski, as well as emerging star Jarrad Branthwaite for the centre-back berth.
Atletico Madrid are open to his sale as they look to free up wage space and raise funds so they can sign a new striker in the summer, and with Le Normand also open to an exit for more regular game time, talks are expected to accelerate.
Everton are now planning to make a formal offer before the summer window officially opens to try and get ahead of the competition, with Atleti hoping to recoup around €40m (£34.8m) in any deal.
Everton Need Euro Experience in Squad
David Moyes
Moyes is a manager who likes to have depth and options to choose from, and this season he has had a number of problems in midfield due to injuries.
Everton are keen to qualify for Europe next season, and if they do that they will need additional options in the squad, and it would be ideal to have players who have top-level experience at both club and international level.
Le Normand fits the bill, would seemingly be open to the move, and a deal is there to be done, so this is a deal to keep an eye on in the coming months.
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