Where Everton stand in Esteban Lepaul transfer race as January stance emerges

Everton are looking at Stade Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul with the Blues needing to add another forward.

Beto's loan to Fiorentina and AS Monaco's Folarin Balogun's collapsed transfer to Merseyside meant David Moyes' squad was left incredibly light.

But Ligue 1 could be a competition they look back on as they seek to address their forward problems in the upcoming winter window.

Lepaul has proven himself as a goalscoring striker, netting seven goals in as many games this league campaign for Rennes.

Everton, though, are not the only side in the race this winter, with another Premier League side also stepping up their interest.

With Rennes' stance on a possible sale emerging out of France.

Could Everton target Esteban Lepaul be available in January?

Everton will be hoping to be well in the European places race by January, which would then allow them to further strengthen and push on.

However, the ownership situation in L3 could certainly affect how they conduct their business.

Nonetheless, it would be negligent if the Toffees failed to sort out their striker woes.

According to French outlet Media Sportif, Everton are looking to "increase their pressure" to sign the Lepaul in January.

Leeds United are also said to be doing the same ahead of the winter window.

However, they could face an obstacle as Lepaul is not angling for a move, while Rennes consider a mid-season transfer "almost impossible."

The report shares, though, that the Ligue 1 outfit would be willing to discuss the 26-year-old's future in the summer of 2027.

Potentially putting a move to Merseyside on hold until then.

What type of striker is Lepaul?

Lepaul is a mobile striker who likes to use his movement to get ahead of the opposition defenders.

He is a clinical number nine, with Sofascore noting his 25 per cent conversion rate this season.

In comparison, Thierno Barry has just 11 per cent this campaign.

Additionally, Lepaul has netted more goals than he has created expected goals, highlighting once again his prowess inside the penalty box.

He has scored seven goals from just 5.79 xG.

Last season, he scored 21 goals from 15.68 xG, once again showing this is a pattern of his quality rather than an anomaly.

He is already showing signs that those performances were not simply a one-off, and that would make him an interesting pick-up for the Toffees.