Everton are closing in on the signing of Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Frank Lampard has been desperate to sign a striker since Richarlison joined Tottenham and the Toffees manager finally looks to have got his man.

What's the latest news involving Brereton Diaz?

It's been a testing first summer window for Lampard at Goodison Park having watched last season's top scorer seek pastures new, Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffer another injury and Anthony Gordon attract interest from Chelsea.

As a result, Lampard has been in the market for attacking reinforcements, especially after seeing his side score just once in their opening three Premier League games.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

But their options could soon improve, with 90min claiming that Everton are on the verge of making Brereton Diaz their latest summer addition.

The 23-year-old arrived from Nottingham Forest back in 2018 and has gone on to score 33 goals in 132 games for Blackburn, which is an underwhelming goal return, especially in the Championship.

But Brereton Diaz only moved into a central striker role last season, where he scored 22 league goals in 37 appearances, with his form not only attracting the attention of the Premier League but has also allowed him to shine on the international stage for Chile.

And Jones reckons that he's now set to become the first of what Lampard will be hoping three new forwards through the door before Thursday's deadline.

What did Jones say about Brereton Diaz?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Everton are closing in on Brereton Diaz, which would be significant given the interest in him this summer.

"I'm hearing we are looking at a deal worth a guaranteed £17.5m and then add ons would take it beyond £20m. Lampard wants up to three new forwards before the deadline."

Are Everton close to signing anyone else?

As mentioned above, with Richarlison gone, Calvert-Lewin still struggling with injuries and Gordon involved in a transfer saga with Chelsea, Lampard wants more than one forward addition before the window closes.

With that in mind, Everton are close to signing another, with Brighton & Hove Albion frontman Neal Maupay undergoing a medical ahead of a proposed move to Goodison Park.

The Frenchman has scored 27 goals and registered eight assists in 109 appearances for the Seagulls but hasn't played a minute in the league this term, which looks set to pave the way for his switch to Merseyside.