Report: Everton Pursue £8m Defender Who Declined a ‘Fantastic Offer’ to sign for Another English Club

Everton appear to have identified a Premier League-ready defender who could be available at a reasonable price this summer.

Sean Dyche and his team are focused on improving the Everton squad, and they are set to welcome Jack Harrison back on loan for another season.

This summer, Everton will exercise restraint in spending big money on new players.

It has long been suggested that Dyche’s side may need to sell one of their stars to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and avoid sanctions next season.

Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite are considered the club’s most valuable assets, with reluctance to lose either.

However, Branthwaite is seen as more crucial than Onana to Dyche’s future plans.

Nevertheless, there remains room for improvement.

According to a report from L’Equipe, Everton have shown interest in Lorenz Assignon, a former Burnley defender who recently turned down a permanent move to the club.

Assignon, 24, played 15 Premier League games while on loan at Burnley last season and impressed despite their relegation.

He exhibited strong attacking skills as a right-back and was adept at one-on-one defending.

Burnley were eager to activate an £8m buyout clause for Assignon but despite a ‘fantastic offer,’ he declined, preferring not to play in the Championship.

Assignon seeks a new challenge this summer and is likely to leave Stade Rennais upon his return.

Olympique Marseille are reportedly leading the race for his signature, with interest also from Galatasaray, Fulham, and Nice, aside from Everton.

Last season, Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman competed on Everton’s right side.

With Coleman now 35 years old, acquiring additional cover in that position would be prudent for Dyche’s team, especially considering Ben Godfrey’s versatility.

In any case, Everton are evidently proactive this summer, aiming to steer clear of another relegation battle.