Everton at front of queue for red-hot striker Esteban Lepaul after recent 'major milestone'

David Moyes may get the striker he craves as Everton lead the way for Rennes star Esteban Lepaul.

The Toffees' need for a player to partner or rival Thierno Barry for a starting spot is well documented.

Folarin Balogun is no longer on the radar at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but other names are now emerging.

The Friedkin Group are opening to signing a striker at Everton, even if they intend to sell up.

And it may well be that Lepaul is the next attacking arrival through the door at Finch Farm.

That is amid an exciting new update emerging on the recently capped France international.

Who is France striker Esteban Lepaul?

Lepaul may not be a household name, but his form in Ligue 1 earned him a first call-up to the France senior side last month.

The 26-year-old made his France debut against Turkiye a couple of weeks ago and also played in both games versus Belgium.

He has 37 goals in the French top flight since the start of the 2024-25 campaign, including three goals in six games this campaign.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton lead a host of Premier League clubs for a striker who is enjoying a "remarkable rise".

Lepaul's "major milestone" of being called up by Zinedine Zidane has only increased the interest, with Leeds United and Aston Villa also lurking.

What are chances of Lepaul joining Everton?

The report states that a January transfer for Lepaul is very much possible and is one to watch at this stage.

It is not known exactly how much Lepaul will cost, but it is fair to assume he will not come cheap when he does leave the Ligue 1 side.

Everton were prepared to pay £40million for Balogun in the summer, which is likely somewhere in the region the Rennes striker is valued.

The big question is whether the Friedkins will still be willing to splash out that sum now that it is known they are ready to sell up.

Moyes will certainly hope so, with Lepaul looking as though he could tick numerous boxes.