Everton eye Brighton striker Neal Maupay – Sky Sports
Rafa Benitez wants to sign Brighton striker Neal Maupay for Everton before the transfer window closes, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported via their Transfer Centre on Thursday [12:03pm] that Financial Fair Play rules are still holding the Blues back this summer with Marcel Brands hoping to sell Fabian Delph, Cenk Tosun, Moise Kean, Jonjo Kenny, Mason Holgate and Jasrrad Branthwaite.
It is understood that as well as 25-year-old Maupay, the Toffees are keen on Burnley winger Dwight McNeil.
He’s perfect
Maupay would be the perfect addition to Everton’s strikeforce before the transfer window shuts.
Right now, the Frenchman is in great form, netting two goals in as many Premier League appearances for Brighton so far this season.
The former Brentford and OGN Nice striker is big and strong but also good with the ball at his feet so he can bring Everton’s other attacking players to play.
However, it seems as though Benitez’s plans are going to be scuppered by FFP unless Brands can find a way to sell those six players while James Rodriguez’s future is also up in the air.
There’s also another major issue.
Why would Maupay want to join us when he won’t be the first-choice striker?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison could be ahead of him in the pecking order up front so there’s not really much motivation for Maupay to quit Brighton to join us.
Maupay knows he’ll start every game for the south coast club as long as he’s available and he’ll probably start against us this weekend when, conveniently, Everton play at the AMEX.
Is this story designed to ruffle feathers at Brighton?
Or is there genuine interest?
In other Everton news, the Blues have granted this senior player permission to speak to other clubs.
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