Everton could hijack Neal Maupay's move to Nottingham Forest by sealing a late deal which would see the Brighton & Hove Albion striker head to Goodison Park, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Toffees have spent more than £30million on fresh faces since the transfer window reopened for business, but it appears that boss Frank Lampard has set his sights on securing a new centre forward next.

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What's the latest news involving Maupay?

Crook has revealed that there could be a late twist when it comes to where Maupay's long-term future lies as Everton and Fulham are now pushing to sign the 26-year-old.

The development comes just a matter of days after it emerged that Nottingham Forest had entered talks over a £15million deal with Brighton.

It appeared that the newly-promoted side were close to sealing Maupay's arrival, but Everton and Fulham have created a late stumbling block for Steve Cooper's outfit.

Brighton have been open to allowing the Frenchman to leave the Amex Stadium due to entering the final 12 months of his £50,000-per-week contract.

Maupay has not played a single minute since the new season got underway and was left out of the Seagulls' squad for their goalless draw against Newcastle United on Saturday due to talks over a move away.

What has Alex Crook said about Maupay?

Crook understands that Everton have joined the race to sign Maupay ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

However, the talkSPORT reporter is unaware as to whether an official bid has been lodged by the Toffees or fellow suitors Fulham at this stage.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT: "I got a message on Tuesday morning saying that Everton and Fulham are both 'in the mix'.

"I don't know if they've gone as far as making bids."

Why has Maupay become a target for Everton?

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin facing a month on the sidelines after suffering a freak knee injury in training, Lampard currently has limited options at the top end of the pitch.

Salomon Rondon is Everton's only other out-and-out striker and, having served a suspension on the opening day of the season, he was offered a 26-minute cameo appearance off the bench during the defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend.

Maupay could be a shrewd signing as he has already shown that he is capable of finding the back of the net in the Premier League, having scored 26 goals over the course of 102 appearances in the competition.