LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Sean Dyche of Everton before the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on November 04, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Everton and Burnley will have seen who’s won the race to sign Maxime Esteve as Fabrizio Romano has dropped a hint on Twitter.
The Daily Mail claimed on 27 January that the Toffees had made an approach to Montepllier to sign the centre-back. They also reported that the Clarets had stepped up their pursuit to sign the 21-year-old
Romano wrote on Twitter on 22 January: “Burnley are working on deal to sign French centre back Maxime Estève from Montpellier. He’s one of the main options on club list. Estève, out of contract in June 2025 at Montpellier.”
Then on Monday, 29 January, evening, he shared the eyes emoji hinting at something and named Burnley.
The Sky Sports journalist’s tweet suggests that the Toffees or any other interested parties may have been priced out of the race for the 21-year-old centre-back.
Given Burnley’s pursuit and Romano’s previous update outlining Esteve as one of Burnley’s main options, it’s likely that they are close to securing his signature.
Due to Everton’s financial constraints, particularly amidst an ongoing takeover and with them needing to rely on potential cash injections from new owners, they may be limited to loan deals in the window.
This suggests that Burnley, who are actively pursuing Esteve, may have the financial flexibility to meet Montpellier’s demands for the defender.
Signing a centre-back this month anyway should not be a priority for Sean Dyche as he’s got James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite staying put and doing well for the first team.
In other Everton news, the Toffees’ transfer deal to sign an in-form player in January will now include a £7m option to buy.
Read also; FA Cup Verdict: Southampton’s Clash Against Watford Unveils Dramatic Result.
