Everton to miss out on £15 million striker as Fulham jump ahead in the race
Everton’s search for a striker has been relatively slow. While a number of targets have been identified, not much progress is being made in terms of negotiations and submitting offers. Brighton striker Neal Maupay was a target but a move to Everton seems highly unlikely.
The Toffees were hoping for a promising start to the campaign after reinforcing the defence and attack with the likes of James Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil and Ruben Vinagre. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was ready to start his campaign on a firing note after an abysmal last year where he missed majority of the games because of injuries.
However, before the game against Chelsea, the Englishman suffered an injury in training which ruled him out for six weeks. The Toffees have Salomon Rondon but the Venezuelan was suspended for the first game and lacked match fitness, preventing him to start the games against Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Even when Rondon is fit and available, his numbers haven’t been convincing which has prompted Everton to go into the market to sign a new striker, preferably a young one rather than someone on the decline.
Everton miss out on striker Neal Maupay
From France, the names of Serhou Guirassy, Bamba Dieng, Ludovic Ajorque and Martin Terrier have been linked. Players from England have also seen their names being associated with Everton. Ben Brereton Diaz, Viktor Gyokeres, Armando Broja and Maupay are names that have appeared in Everton newsfeeds.
As per The Athletic, Everton boss Lampard had personally contacted Maupay to convince him of a move. Everton faced competition from newly promoted Fulham and Nottingham Forest. As per latest reports from David Ornstein of The Athletic, Fulham are now the favourites to secure Maupay’s services as the London club are in advanced talks to sign the Brighton attacker.
A deal worth £15 million is being discussed and even though the deal isn’t done yet, rapid progress is being made and negotiations are moving forward. Everton and Forest have fallen behind and barring any surprises, Fulham should manage to secure Maupay’s signing.
The Frenchman will see his contract run out next summer and is ready to leave the Seagulls this summer. Earlier, Brighton had received a £15 million offer from Serie A side Salernitana. The 26 year old was left on the bench against Manchester United, whereas he was left out of the squad altogether against Newcastle United. An exit is likely but Everton won’t be the club that will be securing him.
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Which striker should Everton target after missing out on Neal Maupay?