Everton are now in talks to sign West Ham target Boulaye Dia – but they could lose Michael Keane in the process.
What’s the story?
Well, Italian side Salernitana are said to be interested in signing the £69,000-a-week Keane on loan.
According to Tutto Salernitana, Everton would not resist letting the England international leave Goodison Park, but they have asked for Dia in return.
Italian news outlet Otto Pagine believe West Ham are also keen to sign the Senegal international.
It would be a complicated deal to do now, as Dia is currently on loan at Salernitana from Villarreal, and the Serie A outfit have the option to sign him permanently for £10.5m at the end of the season.
Unfortunately for Frank Lampard and David Moyes, the Italian side are not willing to discuss any deal for Dia right now, and will only talk about his situation in the summer transfer window.
Tutto Salernitana add that Keane himself would like a move to Italy, but wants to join a side higher up in Serie A, rather than one battling relegation.
Salernitana currently find themselves 16th in Italy’s top-flight, nine points above the relegation zone.
Everton & West Ham should keep an eye on Dia
In our view, Dia is certainly worth keeping an eye on despite Salernitana issuing a hands off warning this month.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at the Serie A strugglers, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances while also providing three assists.
Should he maintain his fine form, Everton and West Ham should definitely return with another enquiry this summer.
At the age of 26, Dia is right in the midst of his prime, and as long as Salernitana do not demand an outrageous sum of money, he could prove to be a shrewd signing by the Toffees or the Hammers.
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