Everton transfer news: Frank Lampard wants in-demand Serie A striker as Calvert-Lewin back-up plan
It’s no secret that Frank Lampard is looking to bring in more attacking options in January and Everton have reportedly enquired about in-demand centre-forward Boulaye Dia.
The 26-year-old Senegal international has scored six goals in 16 appearances for Salernitana this season and also netted in the World Cup against Qatar, playing alongside Toffees midfielder Idrissa Gueye.
Everton are desperate for support for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has featured infrequently due to a host of injury issues over the past few months.
The Toffees have scored the second-least amount of goals in the Premier League this season and currently sit just one point clear of the relegation zone.
Relegation is definitely not out of the question, too. Everton are currently four points worse off than they were last season, and only guaranteed their 2021/22 survival in the penultimate game of the season.
With new signing Neal Maupay struggling for form and Salomon Rondon looking to be on the way out, Lampard will need at least one more striker in his squad.
Everton and Hammers set for transfer battle once again
According to Italian media outlet Cronache Salerno, Everton have been persistent in their pursuit of Dia, along with West Ham United, but the Toffees have reportedly made an official enquiry in the last 14 hours.
However, the deal is complicated by the fact that Dia is currently only on loan at Salernitana, but has a contract which will allow the Italian side to buy him outright for £10.3m.
Salernitana are expected to trigger that clause, but Everton may need to offer double that fee to get a deal over the line in January.
As mentioned, Dia has scored six in 14 appearances in the Serie A this season, along with making two assists. Overall, Dia has contributed to 42% of Salernitana’s goals this season.
Dia also has some good experience under his belt, making 23 appearances already for Senegal. The forward has also played in LaLiga for Villarreal too, so looks ready for the challenge of the Premier League.
Given Dia has scored the same amount of goals as Calvert-Lewin, Maupay, Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon combined this season… the Senegalese forward could be a great addition for the Toffees.
West Ham could throw spanner in the works
However, the Blues face competition from David Moyes’ West Ham, who Everton have had some transfer battles with in the past.
Last summer, it looked very likely that Amadou Onana would be joining the Hammers, but he ended up heading to Goodison Park for £33m after reportedly being convinced by Lampard.
Moyes won’t want a similar situation again, so there could end up being a bidding war between the clubs for Dia.
One thing is for sure, if Everton don’t get some more attacking recruits through the door in January, they could be in serious trouble.
Saying that, West Ham are currently level on points with the Blues… so the signing of Dia could be key to the seasons of both teams.
READ MORE: Romano reveals in-form Everton star on brink of new deal as Lampard eyes more attacking recruits
