Everton are 'still in the market' for Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz and a January move to Goodison Park cannot be ruled out, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Although Toffees boss Frank Lampard strengthened his squad by spending more than £70million during the summer transfer window, he will be presented with another opportunity to bolster his options at the turn of the year.
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What's the latest news involving Brereton Diaz?
According to Football Insider, Everton are among a number of clubs chasing Brereton Diaz and hoping to strike a deal with Blackburn.
The report suggests Sevilla are in pole position to sign the 17-cap Chile international as his current employers are ready to listen to offers, while Leeds United and Fulham are also admirers.
It is understood that Crystal Palace are another club considering a mid-season bid for Brereton Diaz after he rejected the offer of a new contract at Blackburn.
The Championship outfit have been desperate to tie the forward down to fresh terms as he will enter the final six months of his deal at the turn of the year, meaning he would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas suitors in a matter of weeks unless he has a late change of heart.
Everton reportedly lodged a bid during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, but the proposal was turned down.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Brereton Diaz?
O'Rourke believes Everton's interest in Brereton Diaz is refusing to go away after they failed in their initial attempt to get a deal over the line.
The journalist feels the 23-year-old's contract situation means his long-term future is in his own hands.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I think they'll definitely still be in the market for Brereton Diaz. They tried to sign him late in the summer transfer window, but a deal couldn't be agreed with Blackburn.
"Brereton Diaz has made a really good start to the season and he hasn't let the transfer speculation affect him. He's in a strong position with his contract coming to an end at Blackburn."
Would Brereton Diaz be a good signing for Everton?
Brereton Diaz has found the back of the net 48 times over the course of his senior club career and there is no doubt that he is ready to make the step up from the Championship.
Statistics show the Blackburn talisman has been averaging 3.1 shots per game and got his name on the scoresheet every 184 minutes since the season got underway, which will have caught Lampard's attention.
Brereton Diaz, who has been a regular starter for his current employers despite doubts over his long-term future, could also be an upgrade on Everton's current options.
That is because he has averaged more goals and assists than current Toffees trio Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Salomon Rondon this term.
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