How Everton's chase for Krepin Diatta makes total sense as Friedkins ready transfer steal

Everton have entered the race to sign Krepin Diatta.

The versatile defender is now a free agent after his contract with Monaco expired earlier this summer.

He spent a total of six seasons in France after joining Monaco from Belgian side Club Brugge, where he established himself as a lethal forward.

Diatta has transformed himself since then, and played as a right-back the majority of the time for Monaco, though has the ability to feature in attacking midfield or further up the right side.

The 27-year-old is a team-mate of Iliman Ndiaye's, as the pair played together at this year's World Cup.

Now, Everton could reunite the pair, with the Friedkin Group eyeing up what would be a financial steal for Diatta.

Everton eye up Krepin Diatta amid recent approach

David Moyes knows that his squad needs a few more players before the window shuts, as concerns remain over a possible Jack Grealish return.

Ndiaye has also been linked with a move away from Hill Dickinson, though recent reports suggest the Senegal international is unlikely to move this summer, despite a contract dispute.

But the Toffees want to add another Senegal international to their ranks, with Diatta among the latest names on their transfer list.

That's according to an update from Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis this Thursday, who claims Everton and Ipswich Town are both interested in the defender, with Schalke 04 also keen.

It's said that Marseille have made a move for him, though a potential deal is far from done.

Diatta played four times for Senegal at the World Cup, and could be one of Everton's more sensible moves of the summer.

Why Diatta chase still makes sense amid Alistair Johnson transfer

Some will raise their eyebrows at the links to Diatta given that Everton are already close to signing Alistair Johnston from Celtic.

Though the Canadian would most likely be Moyes' number one choice on the right side of defence, cover is still needed.

Seamus Coleman's presence is no longer in the squad, while Nathan Patterson is also likely to depart.

If Johnston were to get injured, like he has done for Celtic in recent seasons, Everton would need someone there to cover.

Diatta can cover at right-back among other positions in attack, as his lightning-quick pace makes this one a no-brainer for the Toffees.