Jarrad Branthwaite was stretchered off in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.
During Everton’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, Jarrad Branthwaite was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Branthwaite has already undergone surgery on his hamstring earlier this season, so it’s a real concern for David Moyes.
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Iliman Ndiaye of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool.
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With that said, Everton will probably be forced into the market for another defender this summer, and they may reignite their interest in last summer’s target.
Burnley v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
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Everton could reignite interest in Maxime Esteve
When Branthwaite was being heavily linked with an exit last summer, Everton had a potential replacement in mind.
Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve appeared to be the Toffees’ number one choice if Branthwaite departed.
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Thierno Barry of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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In fact, it was reported that Moyes personally scouted Esteve in the Championship last term, so clearly the Scotsman was pushing the club’s interest.
So, with Branthwaite now potentially spending a while on the sidelines again, perhaps the French centre-half emerges as a target once again.
Considering Burnley are set to be relegated, Everton have a good opportunity to land his signature for less than the £30m price tag they were quoted last year.
They may face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who have also shown a strong interest in the 23-year-old.
Although, as it stands, Spurs are in the relegation zone and could join Burnley in the Championship, thus ruling them out as competitors.
Manchester City’s John Stones has also been linked to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as has Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, so they’re options as well.
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