During the summer, Leeds United, Everton, and Aston Villa checked on Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul. The 26-year-old Frenchman has also been watched by Brentford and Brighton. Everton's interest is said to be the strongest at present. The interest from multiple Premier League clubs during the summer reportedly prompted Rennes to secure Lepaul with a new long-term contract. Despite the new deal, a potential January transfer is still considered a possibility. This is contingent on the French club's stance and the level of interest that emerges in the coming months. Lepaul has been capped three times for France. He joined Rennes from Angers in August 2025 for a reported €13.5 million plus bonuses. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt at €45.00m. Reports in October 2026 suggested that Rennes had set an asking price for the striker between €50 million and €60 million.