**Rennes Rejects Everton's €30M Bid: Terriers' Interest Continues**

The French football club Rennes has firmly rejected Everton's proposed €30 million transfer fee for striker Anthony Martial, despite the interest shown by the English giants.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Rennes chief executive officer (CEO) Jean-Marc Lecomte expressed his team's "strong desire to retain" Martial and maintain their current squad structure. He emphasized that the club values the player's skills and potential as a key part of their long-term plans.

"The club is committed to maintaining its balance and stability in the transfer market," Lecomte said. "We believe that our approach to player acquisitions aligns with the best interests of our fans and supporters."

Everton, who have been pursuing Martial since the summer break, have offered the midfielder a new contract extension and additional financial incentives. The club has reportedly paid €15 million upfront and made an initial offer of €25 million plus €5 million in bonuses.

However, Rennes' stance remains unchanged. They argue that Martial is not the right fit for their squad at this time, given their focus on attacking play and building a more balanced team structure. The club believes they can find alternative solutions to strengthen their attack without spending such a significant amount of money.

Everton's pursuit of Martial highlights the ongoing competition for top-tier talent in European football. While Rennes maintains their position as one of France's most successful clubs, they face stiff challenges from larger, more established teams like Manchester United and Arsenal, which have also expressed interest in acquiring the talented striker.

As the transfer window continues, both sides will likely be under pressure to make decisions based on strategic considerations rather than purely financial motivations. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the future of both clubs, potentially altering the landscape of European football.