Everton eyeing 26-year-old defender available at cut-price fee – report
By Derek Smithson
Everton are interested in signing Saint-Etienne defender Florentin Pogba, according to a report.
African outlet Jeune Afrique claim that the Toffees are eyeing a move for the 26-year-old this summer.
It is understood that the centre-back has just one year remaining on his deal with the Ligue 1 club and they would be prepared to sell him for a cut-price deal.
The report details that the Merseyside club may face competition from German side RB Leipzig for his signature.
Pogba is a versatile defender that predominately plays in the centre, but can also be deployed in the left-back position.
The Guinea international is the elder brother of Manchester United star Paul Pogba and the siblings clashed in a Europa League game last season.
He made 29 appearances across all competitions last season for Saint-Etienne, including playing seven times in the Europa League.
Pogba has made 93 appearances for the French club since he joined in 2012 and could now be set for a new challenger in his career.
Football Insider verdict:
Pogba is yet to play outside of France during his career, but that should not be a deterrent to Everton. The Toffees desperately need some defensive reinforcements in the summer as Ronald Koeman looks to balance both European and domestic competitions next season. The Merseyside club particularly need some new centre-backs as Ashley Williams, Ramiro Funes Mori, Mason Holgate and Phil Jagielka are their only senior options. Pogba has experience in European competitions and could help provide competition for places. His cut-price fee also means that it would be a fairly low risk signing that could reap big rewards.
In other Everton transfer news, they have agreed a £30million fee for a 23-year-old goalkeeper.
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