Everton journalist for The Liverpool Echo Joe Thomas reports that Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz is an 'option' for the Toffees in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Calvert-Lewin injuries

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had significant injury problems since last season, which have unfortunately carried into this campaign.

The Goodison Park outfit signed Neal Maupay from Brighton and Hove Albion as cover for him in the summer, but with just seven goals in their opening eight games in the Premier League, they may want to bring in some extra firepower up top when January comes around.

The Latest: Brereton Diaz an 'option'

Replying to a supporter of the Merseyside club in a Q&A session for The Liverpool Echo, Thomas says that Brereton Diaz is an 'option' in January, although Kevin Thelwell's ability to sign another striker may depend on Calvert-Lewin's performance upon his return from injury:

"On Diaz, he is an option, but Maupay was chosen ahead of him because he was Premier League-proven.

"I think Everton's January plans depend on what happens in the next eight games.

"If DCL comes back well, the focus may well be on an attacking wide player who can also potentially do a job in the middle if needed.

"And the better Everton do, the more patience they can have when looking around, and the more attractive they will look to targets."

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The Verdict: Get it done

Even if Calvert-Lewin does manage to hit the ground running, he is always a bad injury away from being sidelined for another few months, so Frank Lampard's side may want to consider signing a new striker not just for January, but for the long-term as well.

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by former Rovers manager Tony Mowbray, Brereton Diaz scored an impressive 22 goals in the Championship last term, and already has five in this campaign (Transfermarkt).

The six-foot-one striker looks ready to make the step up to the top flight going by his exploits with Chile, and at 23 years of age, the Toffees would be buying a player that will be hitting his prime over the next few years.