Rafa Benitez is keen to poach a striker from fellow Premier League side Brighton but could be denied the opportunity due to financial constraints at Everton.
According to Sky Sports [Transfer Centre, 26/8/21, 12:03pm], Everton are keen on signing Neal Maupay from the Seagulls as they look top provide competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
As shared by independent Everton media channel Toffee TV (@ToffeeTVEFC) on Twitter, Maupay appears to be a priority on Benitez’ transfer wishlist – even if a deal appears to be untenable at this stage.
Twitter: According to Sky Sports,
Everton are interested in Brighton striker Neal Maupay but the blues are hamstrung by Fin… https://t.co/hnxTMF0IDX (@ToffeeTVEFC)
Maupay could be fit to take on the Toffees when his side travels to Merseyside on Saturday following a minor shoulder knock taken up during Brighton’s 2-0 win over Watford.
Following a challenge with Watford enforcer Peter Etebo, the 25-year-old did not appear for the second half of the 2-0 victory at the Amex Stadium after landing awkwardly in the duel.
Brighton have won both of their current league fixtures against Burnley and Watford, with Maupay scoring in both games as he led the Seagulls’ line.
The former France youth international has caught the eye for Brighton following his move from Brentford in 2019, scoring 20 goals and adding five assists to his name in 76 appearances for Brighton.
Read Everton Verdict
Bringing in competition for Calvert-Lewin is curious given that Benitez has agitated to keep Mosie Kean at the club.
The Italian youngster was sent off in Everton’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield in a match that saw new Evertonian Andros Townsend get off the mark for the club.
Kean was unlucky to have not found his name on the scoresheet with a goal erroneously ruled out for offside in that game and still looks as though he has plenty to offer to the club.
As a result, a Maupay deal makes little sense unless Kean is offloaded and Benitez changes his tune on the striker.
