Former Premier League winger Trevor Sinclair believes Everton should be hi-jacking Nottingham Forest’s £15 million move for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay, speaking to talkSPORT (16 August, 11.20am).
Two games, two defeats and just one goal – and even that wasn’t scored by an Everton player, Lucas Digne putting through his own net during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa under the scorching Midlands sun.
A new centre-forward would not fix all the problems that ail Everton. But one would certainly help, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin back on the treatment table and soon-to-be-33-year-old Salomon Rondon Frank Lampard’s only real alternative.
It should come as no real surprise that Everton, then, are taking notice of Maupay’s availability.
Could Everton lure Neal Maupay away from Brighton and Hove Albion?
According to talkSPORT, the Toffees are hoping to hi-jack Nottingham Forest’s £15 million deal for the fiery Frenchman. And though Maupay is not the most prolific striker in the game, his work-rate, boundless energy and wily movement would make him an immediate upgrade on the sluggish Rondon, while easing the pressure on Calvert-Lewin’s piano wire muscles.
“I know there’s been rumours about Nottingham Forest,” begins Sinclair, formerly of England, West Ham and Manchester City.
“But Everton are also in massive need of a striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin (injured). They’ve shown some interest in the player and I think – looking at him and looking at his personality when he plays for Brighton – I think he’d fit in really well at the Toffees.”
“He’s got more (than goals) to his game.”
Maupay, a £20 million signing from Brentford in 2020, was left out of Graham Potter’s squad for the goalless draw with Newcastle United last time out. According to The Athletic, he has fallen behind new recruit Deniz Undav in the Brighton pecking order.
The Seagulls have also spent £10 million on Paraguayan whizzkid Julio Enciso.
Everton, meanwhile, are also eyeing Rennes’ Serhou Guirassy; A 6ft 2ins forward in the Calvert-Lewin mould. Maupay, however, would give Lampard a different, more mobile option in the final third.
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