According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton could still sign Leeds target Ben Brereton Diaz despite the imminent arrival of Neal Maupay from Brighton.
What’s the story?
Well, the Brighton No.9 underwent a medical with Everton this morning, after a conversation with Frank Lampard convinced him to reject Nottingham Forest and join the Toffees.
The Frenchman has operated as a centre-forward in his 102 Premier League appearances for Brighton, so his imminent arrival initially seemed to suggest that Everton would not be signing Diaz from Blackburn as well.
It was said that the Toffees were close to signing the Chile international before today’s Maupay news broke.
However, Romano believes Lampard “will decide” what to do with Diaz once Maupay has been announced, suggesting that both forwards could still arrive at Goodison Park.
That will not be music to the ears of Jesse Marsch.
The American is said to be keen on bringing the Blackburn No.22 to Elland Road after he scored 22 goals in 37 Championship appearances last season.
Leeds probably hoped that Everton signing Maupay would give them a free run at Diaz – that could still be the case, although it all depends on what Lampard decides to do.
Everton can field Leeds target with Neal Maupay
Fortunately for Everton, Diaz – who Blackburn value at £15m – is versatile, so him and Maupay can actually fit into the same team.
The Chile international made 24 appearances as a centre-forward for Blackburn last season, but he also played 12 games on the left wing, where he can harm opponents by cutting inside on his stronger right foot.
Maupay is slightly different, as he made all of his 35 appearances last term in the centre of the attack.
Therefore, if Lampard does plan to use them in the same side, it will most likely be Diaz on the left, with Maupay in the middle.
Keep an eye on developments at Everton, as Maupay’s arrival could even be officially announced today.
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