Everton’s search for more punch in attack appears to have taken them back across the Channel, with TEAMtalk reporting that Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul has become a serious name in the club’s thinking ahead of January.

There is a familiar rhythm to this kind of story at Goodison Park. A forward catches fire abroad, scouts circle, rivals hover and Everton supporters dare to believe that, this time, the club might move quickly and decisively. Lepaul’s rise gives this latest link genuine intrigue. At 26, he is no raw project. He is a player who has climbed the hard way and now looks ready for a bigger stage.

Lepaul’s journey has a grit to it that should appeal to Evertonians. He came through Lyon’s academy, drifted away from the elite level, then rebuilt his career step by step through the French system. From fifth-tier football in 2022 to a France call-up under Zinedine Zidane, it is a climb that speaks of resilience, hunger and a serious level of self-belief.

His numbers have given Premier League clubs plenty to think about. After scoring 10 goals for Angers, he earned a move to Rennes in 2025 and exploded there with 20 goals in his first season. He has followed that with three goals in his first five matches of the new campaign, underlining that his breakout was no passing streak.

According to the report, Everton checked on Lepaul during the summer along with Leeds United and Aston Villa, while Brentford and Brighton have also monitored him. What will catch the eye on Merseyside is that Everton are said to be the strongest suitor at this stage.

That matters. It suggests the admiration is more than casual and that Everton’s recruitment team may see a profile that fits what David Moyes wants from his front line, mobility, conviction in the box and a player arriving with confidence rather than searching for it.

Rennes, understandably, have tried to protect themselves. Lepaul has signed a new long-term contract, a move that strengthens the French club’s hand and raises the likelihood that any deal would require a significant fee. If no currency is mentioned in the market chatter, Everton fans will know that usually means a price edging into uncomfortable territory, perhaps £25m or beyond once January pressure takes hold.

This is where Everton’s resolve may be examined. Lepaul now carries the extra glow of international recognition and that tends to sharpen demand. Rennes have no obvious reason to sell cheaply, or quickly, and Everton will be well aware that hesitation can be costly when several Premier League clubs are watching the same striker.