According to The Athletic, Everton have now moved ahead of Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Neal Maupay from Brighton.
What’s the story?
Well, the Frenchman is now keen on a move to Goodison Park after speaking to Frank Lampard.
It was previously said that Maupay was interested in joining Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest, although the £35,000-a-week man now seems to have changed his mind.
The Athletic interestingly state that Brighton want to recoup the entirety of the £14m they handed Brentford for the 26-year-old back in 2019, with the Toffees set to stump up the cash.
However, Nottingham Forest – as well as Italian side Salernitana – have put offers worth £15m on the table, although Brighton are yet to accept anything as Everton continue talks with Maupay.
Crucially, Salernitana do not seem to be a genuine threat to Everton or Nottingham Forest, as they are unable to compete with the wages that the Premier League duo can offer.
Maupay has already entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex Stadium, and is yet to play for the Seagulls this season.
Graham Potter left his No.9 on the bench at Old Trafford, as well as in the 2-0 win over West Ham.
Interestingly, Maupay was not named in the squad at all when Brighton drew 0-0 to Newcastle in between those fixtures.
Everton beat Nottingham Forest to a great signing
In our view, this is a shrewd move by Lampard and Kevin Thelwell – Director of Football at Goodison Park.
Maupay is not exactly the most prolific striker in England – he has scored 26 goals in 102 Premier League appearances – but what he does bring is a strong work rate and the ability to get his teammates into the game.
The Frenchman’s desire to press the opposition, and chase lost causes, will surely endear him to the Everton supporters, who love to see those in blue work hard for the badge.
Additionally, Lampard and Thelwell are seizing on a market opportunity given Maupay’s contract situation.
For a player with over 100 Premier League appearances, and arguably his best years still ahead of him at 26, this would be a shrewd deal at just £14m.
Keep an eye on the situation, as Everton find themselves lodged in advanced talks with Brighton.
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