Everton and West Ham United are reportedly interested in the signing of Burnley defender Maxime Esteve.
The 22-year-old has only just moved to the English game in relative terms, making the switch from French outfit Montpellier HSC to the Clarets in January.
Making a total of 16 appearances in the Premier League for Vincent Kompany's Burnley, Esteve has impressed at centre-back alongside the likes of Republic of Ireland international Dara O'Shea.
That being said, the young defender was only able to help his side to two top-flight wins during his current spell in Lancashire, meaning that the Clarets suffered an immediate return to the Championship.
Esteve possesses relative international pedigree at an early moment in his career, earning caps for France's youth teams, including his first for the country's Under-21s side in March.
© Reuters
Everton, West Ham keen on Burnley's Esteve?
According to L'Equipe, one of Burnley's fallen Premier League soldiers could be handed a second bite of the top-flight cherry during the 2024-25 campaign.
The report states that both Everton and West Ham are interested in securing the services of the Frenchman, who only joined the Clarets at the beginning of the calendar year.
Furthermore, it is understood that the Toffees and the Hammers have opened initial talks with Esteve's camp over a possible move away from Turf Moor this summer.
Having signed the centre-back for £10m from Montpellier back in January, it is believed that Burnley will be looking to pocket a considerable fee for the player during the off-season.
Since graduating from Montpellier's academy during April 2021, Esteve has played a total of 78 matches in competitive first-team football, scoring once.
© Reuters
West Ham's defensive reshuffle
West Ham are preparing for life under new management in the 2024-25 campaign, with Julen Lopetegui joining the club following the departure of Europa Conference League-winning boss David Moyes.
Alongside attempting to bolster their goalkeeping ranks with the imminent free signing of Sheffield United's Wes Foderingham, it is understood that the Hammers are targeting improvements for their backline.
Esteve is of a profile which would allow him to compete with the likes of Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna for a regular spot at centre-back next season.
Brazilian Fabricio Bruno could also be thrown into the East London mix, with the 28-year-old supposedly close to agreeing a five-year deal with West Ham.
Carter White
