Reports in France claim Everton have joined the race for the signature of Marseille’s talismanic midfielder Dimitri Payet.
Payet, 28, has been attracting many Premier League clubs and almost joined Swansea City 12 months ago. However the French club rejected the Swans £8,000,000 pound bid.
French newspaper L’Equipe reported this morning that Roberto Martinez has been tracking the Frenchman for several months and hopes to bring him to Goodison Park to bolster up his midfield.
Payet scored eight goals and totalled up an impressive 17 assists last season for Marseille in all competitions.
The French club’s manager Marcelo Bielsa has reiterated his desire to keep the Frenchman on his books, however president Vincent Labrune may be tempted to cash in for the right price.
Reports suggest the Toffees are lining up a £7,000,000. West Ham are also interested in the midfielder.
Free agent Micah Richards could also arrive at Goodison Park on a free this summer, should Everton make a bid at the 11th hour.
The former England international, who was released by Manchester City this summer, is close to signing a deal with Aston Villa. However should Everton intervene, the versatile full back may head to Merseyside.
Roberto Martinez is keen to bring in defenders to replace the outgoing Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz. Earlier in the summer, the Toffees were linked with Crystal Palace centre-half Scott Dann but Richards would be seen as a bargain buy.
