Report: Everton ready to launch bid for 25-year-old attacker who’s really ‘impressed’ Sadio Mane

Add as preferred source on Google

Italian outlet Tutto Salernitana reports that Everton are ready to launch a bid for Villarreal attacker Boulaye Dia – a player who’s really ‘impressed’ former Liverpool man Sadio Mane in the past. 

Frank Lampard has got off to a solid start to the new Premier League season after bolstering his squad over the summer.

The Toffees have become a difficult side to play against in recent weeks, with Conor Coady and James Tarkwoski shoring up the backline.

Neal Maupay has also given Lampard a different option and bundles of energy up-front. But it seems that Everton could be preparing a bid for another striker in Dia.

Everton ready to launch bid for Dia

The Toffees have already contacted Villarreal to ask about the price it would cost to sign Dia, according to Tutto Salernitana.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Serie A outfit Salernitana and is impressing in Italy. Dia has already scored four goals and provided two assists in eight appearances.

The outlet notes that the Italian side currently have an option to buy Dia for around £10.4 million.

But two English clubs are monitoring the striker’s situation, including Everton. Lampard’s men have apparently spoken to Villarreall about offering figures close to £13.9 million for Dia.

The Senegal international endured a tough season in Spain last year as he managed just five goals for Unai Emery’s men in La Liga.

But while at Stade Reims the season before, he managed 14 goals in 36 appearances for the French outfit. His performances earned him a move to Villarreal and high praise from international teammate Sadio Mane.

Speaking to Foot Sur7 back in 2020, Mane said: “I didn’t know him before, but since the start of the season I started to follow him, and I’m really impressed by his qualities.

“I think he won’t stay at Reims forever, believe me!” as transcribed by Ligue 1’s official website.

Mane was right by saying Dia wouldn’t stay in France for long and the striker secured a move to a Champions League side just a year later in 2021. His time at Villarreal hasn’t worked out so far but he’s impressed in Italy.

Lampard has been on the lookout for attacking options to bolster his Everton squad. Maupay got off to a decent start at Goodison Park in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Dia could be an attractive option for the Toffees given his ability to play off the right-hand side as well as up-front.