Big blow for Everton as Barcelona set sights on €30 million Everton target
Back in the summer transfer window, Everton were pushing to sign FC Porto winger Luis Diaz. The Colombian was a top Everton target with the Toffees trying seal his signing to bolster the flanks. However, Porto weren’t keen to let their prized asset go. Now, it appears that Barcelona are also on Porto’s trail as they have added Diaz to their transfer wish list.
Rafa Benitez wanted to sign wingers as the flanks were crying for speed and reinforcements. The lack of pace was one of the major reasons for Everton’s often slow counterattacks. The Merseysiders signed two wingers in the form of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend. Gray arrived for a mere fee of £1.7 million, meanwhile, Townsend was signed on a free transfer.
The former Valencia boss was looking to add another winger to the roster as names of Leon Bailey and Dwight McNeil were being linked. However, the Toffees couldn’t match Aston Villa’s offer for Bailey and McNeil’s valuation was deemed too high.
The name of Colombian winger Diaz also popped up in the final days of the transfer window. The Toffees offered a player plus cash deal which would see James Rodriguez move to Porto on a season long loan deal but the Portuguese giants were unwilling to include the playmaker because of his extravagant wages. On transfer deadline day, Everton tried to make one final push for the 24 year old but the deal ultimately fell through.
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Barcelona eye Everton target Luis Diaz
Diaz had an outstanding Copa America with Colombia, scoring four goals , tied as the tournament’s top goalscorer with Lionel Messi. His exploits with Colombia haven’t gone unnoticed as top teams across Europe have keeping tabs on the 24 year old.
According to Marca, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has added Diaz in his list of transfer targets. Even though the Blaugrana are struggling financially, they are on the constant look out to improve their team and Diaz is certainly a contender in their books to help them reinforce the flanks.
The Porto winger has had a bright start to his season, scoring five goals and assisting one in seven Liga Bwin games. As per the report, Diaz’s price would fall in a reasonable range with Porto expecting €30 million for the winger. Barcelona considers him a top talented player who ticks a lot of boxes.
The Everton target could have a flurry of clubs interested in him if he continues his stratospheric rise with the Dragoes. Everton could be priced out by the richer and bigger clubs in the upcoming transfer window especially if clubs like Barcelona can offer better sporting terms.
Rafa Benitez has already outlined January transfer plans and it looks like the club will look for opportunities to improve the squad. It remains to be seen if Everton reignite their interest in Diaz in January.
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Will Everton target Luis Diaz in January?