Everton have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Esteban Lepaul, with the in-form Stade Rennais striker now at the centre of a six-club Premier League scramble ahead of the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old marked his return from international duty by netting in Rennes' 6-1 rout of Auxerre on Sunday, a reminder — as if one were needed — of why so many English recruitment teams are watching him. According to TEAMtalk, the Toffees currently hold the strongest interest among the chasing pack, with David Moyes desperate to add firepower at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Six clubs circling after Sunday strike
Lepaul ended a four-game goalless run by striking in Sunday's demolition of Auxerre, taking his tally to four Ligue 1 goals for the season. According to Sports Mole, the race for his signature has now grown to six Premier League clubs: Everton, Leeds United, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion have joined Manchester City and Aston Villa in monitoring the forward, with journalist Ekrem Konur reporting Rennes want between £42.5m and £51m for their top scorer.
That asking price sits above his estimated £38m market value — a premium that reflects both his output and the competition building for his signature, with his contract running until June 2030 giving Rennes firm control over any sale.
From Lyon reject to France international
Lepaul's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Released by Lyon's academy in 2020, he was playing fifth-tier football as recently as 2022 before working his way back up the French pyramid. Ten goals for Angers earned him a move to Rennes, where he found the net 20 times in his debut campaign to finish as Ligue 1's top scorer last season.
That form caught the eye of new France boss Zinedine Zidane, who handed Lepaul his first senior call-up this month. The striker made his international debut against Turkiye before starting both of France's Nations League victories over Belgium — a whirlwind few weeks for a player few outside France had heard of a year ago.
Why Everton lead the race
Everton's need is the most pressing of all the suitors. Thierno Barry remains the club's only senior centre-forward, and Moyes has made no secret of his desire for competition in a position of weakness. Lepaul would offer an immediate, proven alternative in a side that has struggled for goals, and the Toffees' recruitment team is said to have been the most aggressive in its pursuit so far.
Leeds are also weighing attacking reinforcements in January. Daniel Farke has several forward options, but a prolific addition would strengthen their final third as they continue their Premier League campaign. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have a less pressing need after signing Nicolas Jackson in the summer, though their sluggish start could yet prompt Unai Emery to revisit the market if Lepaul becomes available.
January battle looms
Rennes tied Lepaul to a new long-term contract over the summer and have no intention of selling cheaply, so a January deal will not be straightforward. But with the January window approaching, Everton leading the queue, and five other Premier League clubs circling, the Brittany club are bracing for a significant battle to keep their talisman beyond this season.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Lepaul has gone from the fifth tier to France's number nine in four years — and now half the Premier League wants him. Everton look best placed, but at up to £51m, will Moyes convince the board to pay Rennes' premium? Who should land him — Everton, Leeds, or one of the chasing pack?
