Everton move for £20m star has 'accelerated' at Goodison Park

Everton could still sign Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz on deadline day, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Frank Lampard recently secured the services of Neal Maupay, but the Toffees manager is believed to be in the market for another frontman before the window slams shut at 11pm.

According to 90min, Everton were on the verge of bringing the Chile international to Goodison Park last week, with the report claiming that a deal worth £20m was on the cards.

The Toffees looked to have beaten off competition from a host of Premier League and European sides.

But a deal hasn’t since materialised, and Everton now find themselves in an intense battle to win Brereton Diaz’s signature.

That’s because The Athletic reported last night that Fulham had launched a bid for the Blackburn striker, who scored in their victory at Blackpool on Wednesday, although the offer fell ‘way short’ of their asking price.

Therefore, Fulham’s bid was knocked back, although the Cottagers are expected to return with an improved offer.

But Phillips reckons that Everton’s move for the frontman has “advanced” since last week and he remains a potential deadline day incoming for the Merseysiders.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Brereton Diaz is definitely still an option for Everton. He was looked at last week and that has accelerated since then.”

Brereton Diaz has never kicked a ball in the Premier League, which might be a concern for Everton, but his recent record at Championship level is outstanding.

He scored an impressive 22 goals in 37 league appearances to help Blackburn battle for a place in the top-six, although they fell narrowly short.

With one hat-trick and four braces, Brereton Diaz was one of the most reliable goal getters in the second-tier,