Everton make approach to sign striker Boulaye Dia as £21m deadline emerges for 15 July
Everton are in desperate need of striking reinforcements this summer and are one of several Premier League clubs eyeing a move for Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, according to Corriere Dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reported via their print version on Sunday (page two, 18 June) that Everton, West Ham and Burnley have all approached Salernitana with enquires for Dia. Serie A clubs Roma, Lazio, Napoli and Fiorentina may all look to also make their move for the striker.
Dia would cost just over £21million until 15 July due to a release clause in his contract which became active when he hit his 15th Serie A goal of the season.
The Senegalese striker enjoyed a brilliant campaign with his side as his 16 goals and six assists single-handedly guided them to safety. The 26-year-old joined the club on loan from Villarreal last summer with a £10.2million buy option inserted in the deal which Salernitana are of course reportedly set to activate.
However, if reports are to be believed, they could be losing their star man almost immediately.
Much-needed
It is no secret that Everton are in desperate need of some firepower and goals upfront. Last season the club’s lack of goals almost cost them their place in the Premier League with their 34 goals the second-lowest total in the division and the lowest of any side in the bottom seven.
In the end, Sean Dyche and some brilliant defensive displays were enough to just about guide the Toffees to safety, however, Dyche will not want a repeat of last season and will hope to be fighting higher up the table.
In order for that to happen the club need to bring in a striker and Dia could be the perfect option. His 16 league goals last season are almost half of what the whole Everton team managed in the Premier League combined and although the quality of the league is different, for £20million, his numbers suggest he is worth the gamble.
However, with the likes of Roma, West Ham and Serie A champions Napoli all sniffing around Dia, it could be a difficult deal to pull off.
In other Everton news, another potential striker from the Serie A is in the club’s sights.