Everton lead the chase for Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul

Everton out in front for Lepaul

Everton hold the strongest interest in Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, according to Teamtalk, as Premier League clubs size up January moves for the Frenchman.

The 26-year-old France international is also on the radar of Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton and Leeds United, meaning Rennes would have no shortage of potential suitors should they decide to do business.

A crowded market for strikers

Lepaul's long list of admirers reflects a broader scramble for attacking reinforcements ahead of the January window. Villa, one of the clubs tracking the Rennes man, have set aside £18m for a possible bid for Athletico Paranaense's Kevin Viveros and are planning a loan swoop for Real Madrid's Endrick.

No valuation is mentioned in the reports, but with five Premier League clubs monitoring Lepaul, competition for his signature looks guaranteed once the window opens.