Everton have reportedly launched a formal move to sign Blackburn Rovers striker and Leeds United target Ben Brereton Diaz this summer. According to the Times, the Toffees registered their interest on Wednesday, August 24, and are now prepared to shell out £12million to secure the Chile international’s services. However, it’s understood that the Lancashire outfit are looking for £15million and believe an offer from Leeds will also arrive soon.

Everton have left it very late in the day to sign a replacement for Richarlison but it seems like they have identified the 23-year-old as a potential option. Of all the strikers linked recently, he appears to be the best option as he’s a goal machine – scoring 22 goals last season and already bagging a couple this time around. The Toffees will have to fend off interest from Leeds who are also looking for a striker and do not have the same financial constraints as the Merseyside outfit.

However, he may play second fiddle to Patrick Bamford or Rodrigo there, and is not guaranteed a regular spot in the starting eleven like he would at Goodison Park. Hopefully, the Toffees can conjure up the remaining money or then get Blackburn to bring down his price as he’s certainly going to be a valuable addition the first team. If not Diaz, Everton appear to be hot the heels of Southampton forward Che Adams as well but signing him from the south coast team is going to be a tad complicated and they must only keep him as a last resort.

Everton have lacked some serious firepower upfront and their manager Frank Lampard needs to address the situation pretty quickly if he wants to turn the situation of the club around this season.