Everton have emerged as a serious contender to sign Como winger Assane Diao as the club seeks to strengthen its attacking options before the transfer window closes. The 20-year-old Senegal international has caught the attention of the Merseyside club, who view him as a player with significant potential and the right profile for their needs. Diao’s eagerness to make the step up to English football could prove decisive in negotiations, though Como’s valuation presents a considerable obstacle to any deal.
The Italian club are seeking between £50-60 million for Diao, a premium figure that reflects his youth and promising development. However, the financial outlay could be justified given his versatility. The winger possesses pace and physicality while capable of operating across multiple forward positions, including as a centre-forward—an area Everton are also keen to address. Since arriving from Real Betis, Diao has accumulated an impressive tally of 10 goals and two assists across 35 appearances in Serie A.
Everton’s pursuit of Diao runs parallel to ongoing discussions regarding Jack Grealish, the Manchester City winger who spent last season on loan at Goodison Park. Though injury disrupted his campaign, Grealish performed well during his time on Merseyside and has maintained contact with the club. Everton’s preference remains a second loan arrangement rather than a permanent transfer, viewing Diao as a younger, long-term alternative should negotiations with City prove prohibitively expensive or complex.
The club’s broader recruitment strategy remains flexible and dependent on activity elsewhere. Iliman Ndiaye is not for sale under normal circumstances, though a substantial bid exceeding £80 million could test Everton’s resolve. Such a departure would intensify the need for attacking reinforcements, potentially making simultaneous moves for both Diao and Grealish unrealistic.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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