Everton scouting Ousmane Diao as Midtjylland defender attracts transfer interest

Everton’s search for defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer window appears to have brought Ousmane Diao firmly into focus, with the FC Midtjylland centre-back now attracting serious attention from the Premier League club.

According to reports from Africa Foot, Everton have added the Senegalese defender to their shortlist after a season of steady progress in Denmark, where his performances have started to generate wider interest across Europe.

At 21, Diao is no longer just a developing prospect. He is becoming a player clubs are actively positioning themselves for.

The latest report claims Everton’s interest in Diao has intensified in recent months, with the defender increasingly viewed as a realistic option as the club plans for the next transfer window.

Midtjylland are understood to be open to a sale, but only on their terms.

Although Diao’s market value currently sits around €8 million, the Danish side are reportedly demanding somewhere between €15m and €20m — a figure that reflects both his development and the length of his contract, which runs until 2029.

That contract gives Midtjylland control.

And with no pressure to sell, they are in a strong position to dictate negotiations if interest turns concrete.

Everton, though, are far from alone.

Eintracht Frankfurt, Porto, Benfica, Fulham, Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are all said to be tracking his situation, underlining just how quickly his reputation has grown this season.

One of the more significant details in the report is that RB Leipzig have already made their move.

Africa Foot claim the Bundesliga side submitted an offer worth €12m, but that proposal was rejected, which gives a clearer indication of where Midtjylland currently value the player.

That rejection also sends a message to other interested clubs.

If Everton want to move seriously, they already know the level required to open discussions.

Based on the numbers alone, it’s easy to see why Diao’s stock is rising.

Despite still being only 21, he has already played 75 senior matches for Midtjylland across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and registering five assists — unusually strong attacking output for a centre-back.

That kind of experience at his age naturally changes the conversation.