According to La Voix Du Nord (h/t Sport Witness), Everton are considering a move for Adama Soumaoro if they fail to sign Kurt Zouma. Crystal Palace are also keen on the defender, so Marco Silva may have a battle on his hands to procure his signature.
The Toffees are on the hunt for a centre-back this summer and wanted Zouma on a permanent deal after last season’s successful stint on loan. However, Everton aren’t making much progress and may have to turn their attentions elsewhere.
Soumaoro is on their radar and may be available for less than £13.5m. The 27-year-old has made 109 appearances in all competitions for LOSC Lille, scoring and creating four goals. He’s been a regular at the Stade Pierre Mauroy but could be on the move in the coming weeks after requesting an exit.
Any potential deal with Everton will depend on Zouma, however. Chelsea’s transfer ban likely means they won’t sell many first-team players as they’re unable to replace them, but the Toffees aren’t giving up on the French international.
Whether they’ll succeed remains to be seen, but they do appear to have a Plan B option in Ligue if all else fails.