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To the surprise of the majority of the fanbase, Everton continue to be linked with all manner of players this summer. The Blues have hit the transfer window hard as they look to develop a stronger squad laden with talent with fifth summer signing Jake O’Brien to be announced imminently.

While the fullback situation remains tenuous at best, the Blues are still looking at young talent in more attacking positions, and the latest name to come up seems like a mix of abilities. Respected French media outlet L’Equipe reported earlier today that Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra is being keenly eyed by the Toffees.

The player’s profile is certainly an interesting one as he appears to be a versatile midfielder that plays anywhere in the middle of the park. Diarra has played in two full seasons now for Strasbourg, 30 games two seasons ago with 18 starts, three goals and three assists, with seven of those starts as a central attacking midfielder and three as a right wing.

Last season, the 20-year-old played 35 times, 31 starts. 3 goals, 1 assist. His position in those starts are given as: CM (11), AMC (7), LW (10) and RW (3). It’s not uncommon for younger players to be moved around all over the pitch until they settle into a position, but from his stats and mapping, he appears to be more of a Abdoulaye Doucoure type player that is more comfortable playing in the opposing half of the pitch.

He also made his international debut for Senegal alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye this summer, playing left wing in one game and right wing in the other of a 3-4-3 formation.

Diarra’s stats from last season compared to Onana

The Blues have already signed Tim Iroegbunam this summer and will need to replace Amadou Onana in the midfield, but with Doucoure and Gueye both ageing quickly, another potential star-in-the-making midfielder could be very useful in Sean Dyche’s repertoire.

Everton are said to have been watching the 5’10” midfielder for several months, but still no word on what he could cost or if the French side will be willing to let their key player leave with four years still left on his current deal.

More to come on this one.