Everton ‘lead race’ to sign Neal Maupay as Brighton asking price emerges

Everton are leading the race for Brighton striker Neal Maupay, according to new reports.

The Toffees have stepped up their hunt for a new striker in recent weeks, with Frank Lampard desperate to provide cover and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon. The club have also been monitoring the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz, Che Adams and Armando Broja.

But it now seems like the 26-year-old Seagulls striker could be top of the shopping list. Maupay is yet to feature for Graham Potter’s side this season and was not in the matchday squad for last weekend’s draw with Newcastle or the midweek Carabao Cup win over Forest Green Rovers.

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A report in The Athletic claims that Maupay has held talks with Lampard - and that the Blues are in "pole position" to sign him.

Everton have seemingly had to battle a host of interested parties to get to this stage, with Nottingham Forest and Salernitana both reportedly having £15m bids accepted by the south coast side - Maupay, however, seemingly does not want a move to either. Fulham are also said to be keen on a move but are yet to agree a fee for the striker.

Maupay has scored 27 goals in 109 appearances for Brighton since signing in 2019, including eight goals in 32 league games last season as the Seagulls finished ninth.

The asking price for Maupay is said to be around the £14m mark. Last night, rumours also emerged around the possibility of Everton having a £20m bid accepted by Blackburn for Brereton Diaz. It remains to be seen which targets the Blues push ahead on, with transfers sure to be on the agenda when Lampard faces in the media in his press conference this morning.

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