Everton are close to completing a £13 million deal for Rennes defender Ramy Bensebaini, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper reports on their website that the Toffees a nearing a £13.3 million deal for the Algerian centre-back, who stands at 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt), although Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart are also said to be interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s signature, and will provide stern competition for Everton.
The Algerian powerhouse – who made his debut in 2017 – has a contract at the Ligue 1 outfit until 2020, but is reportedly expected to make the move away from France in this summer’s transfer window before it closes after making 59 appearances for the club.
OPINION
The arrival of Bensebaini is certainly going to freshen up the Everton team. He is young, and provides the versatility that the club desperately need, being to operate in a number of different positions, including defensive midfield. Boss Marco Silva has inherited an aged defence upon his arrival, with the likes of former England internationals Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines, as well as Welsh international Ashley Williams, all over 30, which not an ideal situation for any manager who comes in. Silva can not work with an ageing back four as it is just not practical, and Bensebaini’s arrival would surely help to breathe new life into a potentially new-look defence. Since Everton have not made any signings yet this summer, Bensebaini’s arrival would indicate the dawn of a new era for the Merseyside-based outfit, and he is the perfect arrival to kick of a summer of promising transfer business.