Everton are interested in a move for French u21 international midfielder Junior Dina Ebimbe from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The news comes from journalist Fabrice Hawkins works on French media outlet RMC, which would make sense given Frankfurt signed the midfielder from PSG on loan two years ago and made the move permanent for $6.5m last summer.
Hawkins says the German side is open to allowing him to leave and discussions have taken place but no bid has been made yet. Franfurt have a squad of 36 players and are looking to trim that before the end of the transfer window. Any move would cost Everton up to £18m, according to reports in Germany.
The move could be a good one for Everton. The 23-year-old has played on the right and left wings and, according to Transfermarkt, can play in the centre of midfield and even at right wing back. He is mostly an attacking outlet with 10 goals in 44 games for the German side.
The player himself says he is most effective in a central midfield role. The Bundesliga website says: “Although a naturally right-sided midfielder, Dina Ebimbe told media upon his Frankfurt unveiling that No.8 is his preferred role. He is also comfortable cutting in off the oppositive flank, with a rangy gait and ability to drive through opposition ranks reminiscent of former Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham in attack mode.”
He scored twice against Bayern Munich in a famous 5-1 victory over the German side as part of an impressive Frankfurt team.
Dina Ebimbe has previously played 11 times for PSG after coming through in the academy and impressing on a couple of domestic loans.
The move would make sense. He fits the profile of a few Everton targets this summer including Habib Diarra, the 20-year-old central midfielder from Strasbourg also known for his attacking prowess in the number eight role.