Everton could make 'late move' for £20m Championship star at Goodison Park
Everton could make a late swoop for Ben Brereton Diaz as the Blackburn Rovers striker is ‘another name on the list’ of targets at Goodison Park, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The Toffees took their summer spending beyond the £60million mark after completing the acquisition of Neal Maupay from Brighton & Hove Albion last week, but boss Frank Lampard may add further fresh faces to his squad ahead of Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
What’s the latest news involving Brereton Diaz?
Transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Everton are closing in on the signing of Brereton Diaz from Championship outfit Blackburn.
Jones suggests the proposed deal would see the 15-cap Chile international’s current employers pocket £17.5million, although add-ons could take the Toffees’ outlay beyond £20million.
However, Everton are not the only side to have strengthened their interest as La Liga side Celta Vigo have reportedly submitted an offer.
It is understood that West Ham United, Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, Bournemouth, Sevilla and Nice have also been mulling over whether to make a move.
But Blackburn, who triggered a one-year extension to Brereton-Diaz’s contract in May, are keen to hold onto their man and are prepared to offer the 23-year-old a lucrative new deal to remain at Ewood Park.
What has Simon Phillips said about Brereton Diaz?
Phillips understands that Brereton Diaz is on Everton’s shortlist of targets heading into the closing stages of the transfer window.
The journalist has refused to rule out the possibility of the centre forward being a late arrival at Goodison Park.
Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “Another name on the list is Ben Brereton Diaz, from Blackburn Rovers.
“He is another player that could come in late in the window that Lampard could easily get involved.”
Would Brereton Diaz make Everton more of a threat going forward?
Brereton Diaz was prolific last season, finding the back of the net 22 times and registering a further three assists in 37 Championship outings.
He has also scored two goals during the early stages of the current campaign, which emphasises that he is a major threat in the attacking third of the pitch.
One of the only drawbacks in acquiring Brereton Diaz is the fact that he has never featured in the Premier League, so he may need time to adjust to the rigours of the top flight.
But statistics show the Blackburn man averaged more goals per 90 minutes than Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Salomon Rondon and Neal Maupay last season, meaning he would be a smart addition to Everton’s squad.