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Everton have firm interest in Lille defender Adama Soumaoro.

Director of football Steve Walsh and chief scout Martyn Glover had planned to watch the 25-year-old against Rennes on Wednesday night but Soumaoro missed the Ligue 1 game through injury.

Lille are said to value the French defender at around £20m and Everton are keen on signing him this month.

Sam Allardyce wants to bolster his backline in the January window and has said the squad needs a left-sided defender.

Soumaoro is listed as predominantly right-footed but is regarded as someone who can play across the back four.

The defender missed the start of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April and so has been restricted to just seven appearances this term.

Big Sam is keen to add more players aged 25-30 and so Soumaoro would tick that box for the Everton boss.

Lille, managed by Christophe Galtier and fourth bottom in Ligue 1, are next in action on Saturday against Troyes before playing against Strasbourg on January 25.