Martin Terrier: Everton muscle in on Leeds plan as Lampard eyes double signing to reignite Toffees attack

Everton are reportedly looking to beat Leeds United to the signing of Rennes striker Martin Terrier – with Frank Lampard hoping to secure the signing of a second new forward to give the Toffees a new-look attack.

Lampard’s side have endured a slow start to the summer window. With just over a week to go before the new season gets underway, the Toffees have just one new arrival, James Tarkowski, to their name. And with Richarlison having departed for Tottenham, their squad is arguably weaker now than the one that just survived last season.

Replacing Richarlison’s goals and leadership qualities in attack will be top of Lampard’s wish-list before the window shuts. The Brazilian scored six times in their final nine games to help the Toffees pull clear of the drop zone.

And his departure leaves the Toffees with a big hole to fill.

However, the latest reports in the Daily Express claim Everton are ready to make a move for Terrier.

The Rennes striker enjoyed his best ever season in 2021/22, finishing with 21 goals and three assists from 27 Ligue 1 appearances. That tally saw him finish as the division’s third top scorer with only Kylian Mbappe and Wissam Ben Yedder outscoring him.

As such, demand for the striker is high, with Liverpool among those linked.

However, the strongest interest comes from Leeds United, with Jesse Marsch’s side also in the running for a new striker. They are currently awaiting developments over Charles De Ketelaere. But in the event the Brugges man signs for Milan, it is likely Leeds will move for Terrier. A move to Yorkshire would be apt given his name.

Lampard, though, reportedly wants the player at Everton, with the Toffees reportedly preparing an approach.

Steep asking price for Martin Terrier

Earlier reports suggest the Ligue 1 side are not willing to let Terrier leave on the cheap.

To that end, they are reportedly setting a lofty £34m (€40m) fee for a man who has 30 goals in 84 appearances in total.

Whether Everton can finance such a deal remains to be seen. But it appears they are looking to make their move in an attempt to beat Leeds to his signature.

Meanwhile, Lampard also remains hot on the trail of Emmanuel Dennis.

The Nigerian was one of the few bright lights in Watford’s relegation season, scoring 10 times and adding six assists in 33 games. Despite his best efforts, though, the Hornets were unable to avoid an instant return to the Championship.

Dennis, though, did himself plenty of favours with his efforts earning him attention from West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

But it is the Toffees who look to be leading that chase. And Watford’s £20m asking price is unlikely to put Everton off.

And Lampard will hope a Terrier, Dennis connection in attack can help Everton enjoy a more successful 2022/23 campaign.

Terrier earns Thierry Henry comparisons

It’s easy to see why Terrier finds himself a man in demand.

His style looks well suited to the Premier League, with his recent record in Ligue 1 backing that up.

At 25, there is still room for Martin Terrier to get even better too.

Indeed, the player has even been described as a modern-day version of Thierry Henry by Sky Sports pundit Tom Williams.

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in, a-la Thierry Henry,” he said on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast.

“Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.

“If a club are prepared to meet Rennes’ asking price then Terrier would probably back himself. He will likely struggle to match the numbers he put up last season with Rennes.”

Terrier, himself has done his best to distance himself from transfer rumours by making clear his intentions at Rennes.