Everton are reportedly 'long-term admirers' of Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz, although no fewer than 15 other clubs are in the race to sign him in January.

The Lowdown: Out of contract soon

The 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer, meaning that he can leave Ewood Park on a free transfer at the end of the season, or else be sold for a cut-price in the January transfer window.

The striker said on Tuesday night that he will 'hopefully' be staying at Rovers until the end of the campaign, while manager Jon Dahl Tomasson claimed that the Championship club 'wants' to keep him, but if there is a 'very, very high' offer put forward, then he suggested that Brereton Diaz could leave (90min).

The Latest: Everton admirers of Brereton Diaz

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Everton are 'long-term admirers' of Brereton Diaz, along with Premier League rivals Leeds United and Bournemouth.

Also from the top flight, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolves have scouted him in recent weeks, while Sevilla, Ajax, Union Berlin, Atalanta, Sassuolo and Salernitana are all showing interest from Europe.

That makes a staggering 15 other clubs who are in for the Chile international, who could be sold for a fee 'in excess of £10m' in January.

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The Verdict: Get it done

With so many other clubs interested in his signature, Everton need to ensure that they are front of the queue when it comes to signing Brereton Diaz in January.

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by his former Rovers coach Tony Mowbray, the 6 foot 1 machine scored a very impressive 22 goals in the Championship last term and already has nine to his name this season (Transfermarkt).

Toffees supporters could catch a glimpse of him tonight as Blackburn take on Premier League side West Ham in the Carabao Cup, and £10m could turn out to be a real bargain for a 23-year-old who seemed destined for greater things than the Championship.