Everton pinpoint Rangers star for key role as David Moyes squad overhaul begins

have identified star Mohamed Diomande as one of several midfield targets this summer. The Toffees' hierarchy is expected to strengthen a number of departments in ' squad after the Scotsman oversaw a superb end to the season, which propelled the side up to 13th.

Club bosses have been forced to keep a close eye on their spending in recent windows after a period of unsuccessful dealings in the transfer market. But with the books balanced, the team on the up and a new stadium ready to roll, this is set to be the summer in which Everton fans witness serious intent to drive up the table.

Central midfield will be a key area to address. Abdoulaye Doucoure is leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract, and Orel Mangala has been sent back to Lyon following his season-long loan spell on Merseyside.

Express Sport understands that Diomande is a player Everton chiefs have identified as a candidate to bolster Moyes' ranks in the middle of the park. The Ivory Coast international, 23, can play in a variety of positions including as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No. 10 and a left-back.

He ended the campaign with nine goal contributions (four goals, five assists) in 31 Scottish Premiership games, plus another three in 10 Europa League appearances.

Diomande, who made his senior breakthrough with Danish side Nordsjaelland, spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Ibrox before joining Rangers permanently last summer in a deal worth approximately .

The Glasgow side would naturally be reluctant to lose someone who played such a prominent role last term, but Everton do have the financial might to table an offer which would land them a tidy profit only 12 months after splashing out on the player.

Moyes has already made one midfield addition this summer, with Charly Alcaraz's loan move from Flamengo made permanent for . Everton are also in line to keep hold of Idrissa Gueye, who is reportedly set to extend his contract.

According to , the Toffees will go after a right-back, a right-winger and a striker as well as another midfielder. And if they manage to nab all four with time to spare, Moyes could welcome even more new faces before the start of next season.