Everton express interest in Boulaye Dia as £10.3million clause is revealed – report
Everton are one of four English teams showing interest in Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, according to Italian outlet Tutto Salernitana.
Dia is currently in Qatar with Senegal, where he scored the opening goal of the Group A match against Qatar on Friday afternoon. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a great season for club and country and has caught the eye of Premier League scouts as a result.
According to Tutto Salernitana, Leeds United, West Ham, Leicester City and Everton are all keeping a keen eye on the prolific striker, and a move could be on the cards before the summer.
That’s because the report also mentions a £10.3million redemption clause for Salernitana to sign Dia permanently from parent club Villarreal, which could be triggered before the season ends.
However, club president Danilo Iervolino admits it “won’t be easy to keep him if even stronger teams arrive” in the transfer window.
Goals, goals, goals
Everton’s main priority in January will be bringing in as many goals as possible to the squad. Frank Lampard has proved that his Toffees side can put on resilient defensive displays, but goals continue to elude them.
Losing Richarlison in the summer was a huge blow and his replacement, Neal Maupay, has failed to fill his boots. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s consistent injury problems render him unreliable, so new forwards are a must in the New Year.
Dia is a player in his prime, consistently fit, and in great form – he ticks every box Everton could ask for. The only doubt will be whether he can cut it in the Premier League or not, but with four top-flight teams all interested in his signature there must be an abundance of confidence in his ability.
A strong World Cup campaign from the Senegalese forward may see his asking price skyrocket, but his performances on the world stage also suggest that he’s more than capable of thriving in the Premier League.
Everton clearly have some competition they will need to fend off if they are to complete a January move, but Dia could be worth going all-out for over the winter.