Everton have reportedly emerged as one of the favourites to sign Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo, after fellow contenders Rennes pulled out of the running for the Frenchman.
The 20 year-old had joined the Blaugrana in January 2019 from Toulouse, but has struggled to find game time.
He has made just five appearances for the Spanish side overall and despite having another three years remaining on his contract, the defender has allegedly become surplus to requirements at the club under new manager and former Toffees boss Ronald Koeman.
Everton had been heavily linked with the defender and according to reports from Fichajes, via InsideFutbol, are now among the front-runners to land the France Under-20 international on-loan, following Rennes’ withdrawal.
Barcelona want permanent solution
Barcelona are reportedly eager to offload the defender, but according to The Independent, will only permit a loan deal, should a club be willing to buy the player permanently for £18 million.
Todibo started last season at the La Liga outfit, where he made three of his five appearances to date (one in the Champions League and two in the league).
He played two times for Barça in the league and helped to keep two clean sheets, playing the remaining four minutes of a 2-0 away win against Getafe, before managing 73 minutes in a 4-0 victory over Sevilla in the following match (his only league start for the Catalans last campaign).
He then spent the second half of last term on loan at Schalke, registering ten appearances in a spell blighted by injuries.
Everton in the race for Jean-Clair Todibo
With Rennes vacating the opportunity to sign Todibo, Everton are set to battle Fulham and Napoli for the defender.
The Toffees have a somewhat positive relationship with the Camp Nou club, having acquired the likes of Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne from them.
Jean-Clair Todibo could become the third defensive signing for the Merseyside club from the European giants in recent years, but Carlo Ancelotti‘s side will face competition from The Cottagers and his former employers, if they are to land the 20-year-old.
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