Everton now eyeing exciting young defender dubbed 'the French wall' - report

Everton are going after Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, according to French newspaper Var-Matin (via Sport Witness). 

Everton have already signed one centre-back this summer, with James Tarkowski moving to Goodison Park after leaving Burnley.

And Frank Lampard already has the likes of Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate on his books.

But it seems he’s still keen on bolstering his defence further, with Todibo linked as well as Chelsea’s Levi Colwill.

Barcelona picked up Todibo from French outfit Toulouse in January 2019, but after loan spells with Schalke and Benfica, he would settle with Nice, who paid £7.65million to sign him last summer.

Still only 22 years old, he has a full four years left to run on his contract with the Europa Conference League outfit.

Todibo, the report states, ‘is the subject of much interest‘ from across the continent.

It then goes to list his suitors, which include Everton, Manchester United, Newcastle, AC Milan, Napoli and Sevilla.

Todibo has really blossomed at Nice, with Squawka’s James Lorenzo hailing him as a ‘rock’ at the heart of their defence in 2021/22.

Lorenzo also compared him to Chelsea’s Thiago Silva because his comfort and composure on the ball.

And talent scout Jacek Kulig also regards him very highly indeed, referring to him as ‘The French Wall‘.

You can see why Lampard might be seeking out multiple defensive upgrades after seeing his side ship 66 goals last season, their worst record since 1975/76.

But it might be very difficult to beat off the competition this time, with Champions League and Europa League sides in the frame.

Source