Everton make first move to sign new £18m striker for Dyche in January

The Blues are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements

According to reports from Italy this week, Everton has begun the process of signing a new goal scorer for January.

Everton transfer targets

Although the Blues have recently shown some great form in the Premier League, it is still a good idea to consider adding new players during the January transfer window. To expand his options, Sean Dyche would undoubtedly love to add a few new players, and Everton has been connected to a lot of moves in recent weeks.

The Merseysiders have been backed to make a move for Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker, for example, while Juventus defender Federico Gatti is seen as a strong option to replace Jarrad Branthwaite, should the latter leave the club soon, albeit that is an outcome fans would prefer to avoid of course.

Everton begin agent talks for Boulaye Dia

As per a recent report from Il Mattino [via Sport Witness], Everton is among the teams vying for the signature of Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia. The Blues were also interested in the player during the summer.

The 27-year-old is seen by Salernitana as someone who can create funds, therefore they may be willing to let him go in January in order to raise money. With negotiations with his agent, the Blues are thought to have initiated contact first. The player is presently valued at €22 million (£18.9 million). Indeed, a different rumor states that he has a €21 million (£18 million) contract clause that would enable him to sign with a Premier League team, and Salernitana president Danilo Iervolino has raised the possibility of certain players leaving:

“It doesn’t seem to me that those we bought have played badly, it’s those who stayed who have disappointed so much. The problems lurk in a torn environment. Unfortunately, we can’t create the right harmony and there are factions. Many players want to leave, they don’t like Salernitana.

“They are here but would like to be elsewhere. If they have no joy, they know that this risks being the grave of many players. I will have a hard time with many of them. In January, I’ll send away those who don’t want to stay. From now on, we’ll only take people who want to stay at Salerno.”

In terms of having multiple reliable end product creators in the last third, Everton still appears a touch weak in attacking areas, so acquiring Dia in January could be a wise decision. With 20 goals in just 44 Serie A outings, the 27-year-old Senegalese player has established himself as an accomplished player, and he might start strong at Goodison next month.

In addition, Everton wouldn’t be spending above their means to sign Dia because the rumored release clause is so cheap. This is a calculated move rather than a risky one. Not to mention that the legendary Sadio Mane of Liverpool has just supported him, stating that he has been “really impressed by his qualities” speaks volumes.

Get more related news on dailysportnews.co.uk