By Jonty Banks

10th Nov, 2022 | 7:10am

Fabrizio Romano shares his 'understanding' of Everton and Manchester United pursuit of Ben Brereton Diaz

Everton’s interest in Ben Brereton Diaz during the summer transfer window was the strongest of any Premier League club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 23-year-old striker – who is under contract at Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season – was linked with a move to several Premier League clubs including the Toffees after bagging 22 goals for his Championship side last season.

Although 90min reported that Manchester United are now potentially interested in the acquisition of Brereton Diaz in the January transfer window (8 November), Romano has heard no such rumours.

“Nothing concrete for the moment, the strongest interest has been from Everton, back in the summer,” said Romano via his Substack page for CaughtOffside (9 November).

“My understanding is that there is currently nothing from Man United.”

Green Light

News from Romano that Manchester United have not held any talks with Brereton Diaz will come as welcome news to Everton fans, who know that a centre-forward is firmly on their manager’s Christmas wishlist.

The purchase of Neal Maupay in the summer was nothing more than a stop-gap signing, and it has proven this way, with the French forward scoring just one goal for Everton this season.

After Dominic Calvert-Lewin limped off the field in the 2-0 defeat to Leicester last week, fans can no longer rely on the Englishman to constantly be fit and deliver the much-needed firepower that Everton desire.

Everton would likely need to cough up a substantial sum to lure the forward away from Ewood Park, where plans are firmly set on promotion to the Premier League with Brereton Diaz as the spearhead of their attack.

Having extended his purple patch of form into the new campaign, already netting nine times in 20 appearances, Lampard will surely be interested in trying to finally get this transfer over the line.