OPINION
Business has been relatively slow at Everton during the summer transfer window, but as the Toffees enter the final week of the market it looks as though things could begin to heat up.
Marco Silva has seen just two new faces through the door at Goodison Park in the shape of former Watford winger Richarlison and ex Barcelona defender Lucas Digne, proving that the club are seeking quality, not quantity, to help bolster the squad.
Of course there are also exits on the cards, with the latest name seemingly on his way being centre back Ashley Williams.
Reliable news website Football Insider claim that the Welsh international is destined for a season-long loan at Championship side Stoke City, with a medical scheduled, but considering he was a regular in the starting XI last season, Silva needs to find someone to fill his boots.
Step forward Toulous powerhouse Christopher Jullien.
Goal.com journalist Robin Bairner claims on his personal Twitter account that the Toffees are eyeing up a raid for the 6’4″ (source: Transfermarkt) giant, along with their Premier League rivals, and that he could cost a bargain fee of just £8.8million (€10million).
Newcastle, Southampton and Everton among the side tracking Toulouse centre-back Christopher Jullien, according to local sources. #NUFC #SaintsFC
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) August 2, 2018
In the region of €10m – bargain by this summer's standards.
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) August 2, 2018
Powerful, imposing and just 25-years-old, Jullien brings everything Williams has and more to the table, offering some fresh blood to what is a particularly elderly back line at Goodison Park.
His height and physicality will work well alongside the ball playing qualities of Michael Keane, and should be exactly what Silva wants to help patch up the defence this season.
He is the perfect addition to take Williams’ spot and act as the no nonsense enforcer the Wales man has been for the past couple of years.
Now all Silva needs to do is beat his rivals to the Frenchman’s capture.