Everton ready to include €17.5m player in swap deal to bring down asking price

After being handed a huge blow in the striker chase, Everton are now searching for another striker. El Bilal Toure had been a long term target for the Toffees with the Toffees working extremely hard to get the deal done. In the end, Atalanta won the race and EFC are back to the drawing board considering their options. Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia seems to have emerged as an option.

EFC have missed out on Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Boniface and now Bilal Toure. Perhaps, the blow in Bilal Toure’s chase would have affected the most as EFC had been working on the deal for weeks and were in advanced talks to sign the Malian but Atalanta managed to seal the transfer.

Sean Dyche remains adamant about bringing reinforcements to the striker department. Everton can no longer gamble on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness and work must be done to lighten the load of goalscoring from his shoulders.

Everton to offer Neal Maupay for Boulaye Dia

Neal Maupay has not impressed in his debut season at Goodison Park and questions have already been raised over his continuity at Everton. The Frenchman has failed to shoulder the responsibility of being the reliable goalscorer in Calvert-Lewin’s absence. Maupay has already generated interest from Salernitana, who even wanted him last summer.

EFC have been tracking Salernitana striker Dia. The Senegal striker has been on EFC’s list for a long time and it appears that the Toffees are finally activating their pursuit. According to Tutto Salernitana, EFC and Salernitana will hold a new round of talks for the 26 year old striker. Everton have asked Morgan De Sanctis, the Sporting director at Salernitana, for a meeting regarding Dia.

Dia had a release clause of €25 million valid till 20th July but no team triggered it despite interest. The Toffees are considering adding a player to the deal to bring down Dia’s asking price.

Perhaps, a player plus cash deal would work as Salernitana have been admirers of Maupay. The Italian side wanted him last summer too and the player was just one step away but EFC managed to win the race for £15 million. The French striker could be included in a deal as a makeweight to bring down Dia’s asking price.

With the Garnets still interested in Maupay, this deal would work for all parties. However, the report adds that a deal must be done in 10 days or the Serie A outfit will no longer consider Maupay as a possible option. If Maupay leaves, EFC would offload a player that has failed to fire for them and Dia’s arrival will tick a box in the summer transfer window agenda of signing a reliable striker.

Will the Merseysiders sign Boulaye Dia?