Everton are preparing a player-plus-cash deal to sign Boulaye Dia.
That’s according to La Ciatta, who have reported that the Toffees are readying a £21.5 million bid in a move that could see Neal Maupay join Salernitana.
The Italian club signed Dia permanently this summer after he ended last season as their top goalscorer whilst on loan from Villarreal.
Everton have expressed interest in signing the striker in recent weeks but failed to cough up his £19.9m release clause before last week’s expiry, with his value now shooting up to £34.6m.
However, the Merseyside outfit could end up paying a similar fee if they can include Maupay in the deal.
The Frenchman moved to Goodison Park last summer but has only netted one goal in 28 matches and he could now be on his way out, with Salernitana one side that have expressed interest in signing him.
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Everton should have met the release clause of Boulaye Dia
Boulaye Dia bagged an impressive 22 goal contributions during his loan spell at Salernitana and is highly rated ahead of a potential move to the Premier League.
In fact, the forward had been considered very promising long before his time in Italy, with Sadio Mane praising him.
His Senegal teammate singled Dia out during his time with Stade de Reims, saying: “I didn’t know him before.
“But since the start of the season I started to follow him, and I’m really impressed by his qualities. I think he won’t stay at Reims forever, believe me!”
The 26-year-old could be a very good signing for Everton this summer, though it raises questions as to why they didn’t pay his release clause if it meant spending less money for the cash-strapped club.
However, Toffees fans will be happy to see Maupay leave if it also means significantly decreasing Dia’s transfer fee.