‘Crystal Palace and Everton race to sign Maxime Esteve’
Crystal Palace and Everton are vying to sign Burnley star Maxime Esteve after sending scouts to watch his performances at Turf Moor this season.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old has shown he is capable of making the step up.
Burnley remain keen to keep him at the club, particularly if they are promoted to the Premier League, but could be tempted to sell if significant offers arrive.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 7 April that Everton want to sign Esteve and will make a move if Jarrad Branthwaite leaves amid ongoing speculation.
Palace, meanwhile, have the Frenchman on their list of targets to replace Marc Guehi and have recent history of recruiting players who have proved themselves in the second tier.
Brown told Football Insider in November that Palace plan to sign the best Championship talent after seeing success with Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton.
Burnley could lose Maxime Esteve to Crystal Palace or Everton
Alongside Esteve as part of Burnley’s back line, James Trafford has been linked to Newcastle as Scott Parker’s side risk being picked apart this summer.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that their “outstanding” defensive record has proven Esteve can step up to the Premier League.
“I’ve seen quite a bit of Burnley over the last couple of seasons,” he told Football Insider.
“Esteve was one I looked at last year and thought yeah he’s solid, he’s alright, but I wondered whether he would be able to cut it in the Premier League.
“But this season, he’s really pushed on and he’s been an integral part of an outstanding Burnley defence.
“They’ve conceded just 13 goals in 42 league games this year, it’s incredible.
“Every time there’s a bit of a problem, over he comes to clean it up and they go from there.
“I have to say, there are still a few question-marks about him.
“Everton and Crystal Palace have been watching him, among other teams, and have had scouts at Turf Moor to keep an eye on his performances.
“So they will know all about him and then decide whether those question-marks are too much.
“Then, a decision will be made about whether to sign him, but there’s no doubt he’s got admirers.
“Burnley want to keep him, especially if they get promoted to the Premier League, but a really good offer for him could get that over the line.”
Oliver Glasner eyes centre-back options after Marc Guehi latest
Crystal Palace are considering a number of options to strengthen at centre-back this summer as Guehi is widely expected to leave with just 12 months remaining on his contract.
The likes of Liverpool and Arsenal want to sign Guehi this summer, while Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle have all had a long-held interest in the England defender.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace want to sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 6 March that Southampton will demand £20million for Harwood-Bellis, who is keen to remain a Premier League player next season.
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