Everton are planning their summer goals with Angus Kinnear officially on board at Finch Farm.
For the first time in years, Everton will be able to spend freely during the summer transfer window.
This will be good news for David Moyes, who has kept the Toffees in the Premier League.
Kinnear has confessed Everton still have a lot of work to do before the 2025/26 season begins, with significant changes taking place both on and off the pitch.
Players will go at the conclusion of their contracts, but this gives the Blues an opportunity to bring in some new quality to bolster Moyes’ choices.
Everton are hoping to add a new midfielder to their team this summer, and they have identified one player for whom they will make an initial bid.
Everton preparing opening bid for Habib Diarra
Everton are reportedly interested in midfielder Habib Diarra from French side Strasbourg.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, both midfielders, have yet to secure their futures on Merseyside, leaving the club to consider their alternatives for the summer.
According to Wiw Sport, Everton are now ready to make a move for the Senegal international, who is expected to quit Liam Rosenior’s side.
However, the Toffees are not alone; Brighton & Hove Albion are also thought to be interested in signing the 21-year-old this summer.
Everton have been granted the go-ahead to sign Diarra, with Strasbourg not wanting to stand in his way of a summer exit.
It is thought that an offer of around €20 million (£17 million) could be enough to entice Diarra away from the Ligue 1 club.
Habib Diarra is an ‘excellent’ young talent
Everton is expected to offer Gueye a new contract this summer, but the club has yet to make an announcement.
The Senegalese international will be quite familiar with Diarra from their experience on the national team.
It would be fascinating to see if Diarra is still interested in joining Everton, even if Gueye leaves as a free agent.
Diarra has been recognised as a ‘great’ young talent by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the 21-year-old even shining on the international stage.
Gueye’s midfield partner, James Garner, has faced criticism in the second half of the season.
Perhaps Diarra is the player to step in and prove to be the ideal partner for Gueye.
