Everton-Luis Diaz deal in jeopardy as Porto reject James Rodriguez swap
Everton could be left disappointed in their late pursuit of Luis Diaz after Porto opted against including James Rodriguez in the deal, according to Pipe Sierra.
The WinSportsTV journalist made the claim via his personal Twitter profile in the early hours of Sunday morning [29/08/21].
He wrote: “Porto did not agree to include James Rodriguez [30] in the operation and they want Luis Diaz [24] to stay, except for a great offer. Everton still does not reach the figure that they ask for. Crucial hours are coming…”
Big blow
This potential hitch in the bid to bring Diaz to Goodison Park is likely to cause a great deal of consternation among the Everton faithful.
Despite a brilliant start to the Rafa Benitez reign that has seen the Blues go unbeaten in their first four games, there is still a feeling that further reinforcements are required in order to post a successful season under the Spaniard.
Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have made an instant impact since joining in the summer, but options are pretty bare behind the duo.
Therefore, another attacker needs to be signed, and Diaz fits the bill as a hugely talented international star who is at the perfect age to continue his development.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, appears to have fallen out of favour on Merseyside with Benitez happy to see him leave the club.
The Colombian would free up vital wages and space in the squad for his compatriot Diaz to fill.
However, despite initial optimism that Rodriguez may be returning to Porto as part of the deal to bring Diaz to Goodison, that now appears unlikely if Sierra’s report is to be believed.
n other Everton news, the Blues are confident of signing this record-breaking striker amid an approach to his Saudi-owned club.
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