Everton could be set to win the race to sign Boulaye Dia.
That’s according to Corriere dello Sport (Print edition 19/7/23 p.18), who have claimed that the Toffees could move for the forward and ‘could eventually win’ the race for his signature.
Dia joined Serie A club Salernitana on loan last summer and has only just made his move to Italy permanent, however he could already leave the club due to the €25m (£20m) release clause in his contract.
After claiming 22 goal contributions for Salernitana last season, Everton are one of a number of clubs targeting the forward.
Despite both AC Milan and Fiorentina showing interest in Dia, the report claims that it is the Toffees that could win the race.
However, Everton would have to meet Dia’s £20m release clause before it expires tomorrow night, otherwise Salernitana may demand around £34m to part ways with him this summer.
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While it is believed that the Premier League club can’t currently afford to pay the whole fee up front, Salernitana’s reported interest in Neal Maupay could allow them to use him as a bargaining chip to lower the price tag.
With Dia’s release clause set to expire on Thursday, Everton will have to act fast if they decide they want to bring him to Merseyside.
Everton could sign Boulaye Dia for less than his £20m release clause
Boulaye Dia was a huge player for Salernitana last season and has also made his mark on the international stage too, making six appearances as they won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
While it is unclear how much Neal Maupay would be currently valued at, his exit could make a move for Dia a lot cheaper.
The Toffees definitely won’t make up the £15m they spent on the Frenchman last year, though a fee of between £10-15m for Dia could be a lot more tempting.