Rennes have identified a replacement for Algerian centre-back Ramy Bensebaini, who is closing in on a move to Everton this summer.
The 23-year-old centre-back has emerged as a key target for Everton as Marco Silva looks to improve the defence ahead of the start of the 2018/19 campaign.
Everton have been in advanced negotiations with the French club over a deal and it has been claimed that the two clubs are expected to reach an agreement soon.
And in anticipation of Bensebaini leaving, the French club have already identified the defender who could replace the Algerian in their squad for next season.
According to French sports daily L’Equipe, Lyon defender Fernando Marcal, 29, has been earmarked as the Everton-bound defender’s replacement by Rennes this summer.
The Ligue 1 club are expected to make a swift move for the Brazilian as soon as Bensebaini's impending move to Goodison Park is finalised in the coming days.
The Algerian, who joined Rennes in 2016, has turned in 59 appearances for the club over the last couple of seasons.
Everton are looking to get the deal over the line as soon as possible as there is a little over a month left for Premier League clubs to get all their transfer business done.
