Everton transfer target Ben Brereton Diaz has 'no intention' of signing a new contract at Blackburn Rovers, according to Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports News.
The lowdown
Toffees manager Frank Lampard has made it clear to the club's hierarchy that he needs a new striker before 1 September, as per Joe Thomas of the Liverpool Echo.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured, Everton are down to one recognised centre-forward in the form of Salomon Rondon, who has an abject record of three goals in 25 games for the club.
Journalist Jacque Talbot told GiveMeSport on Sunday that a move for Brereton Diaz is a 'very possible' solution, amid recent links with the Toffees. The Chile international is into the final year of his contract with Blackburn, potentially putting them under pressure to sell.
The latest
Dorsett took to Twitter on Monday morning to break the news about Brereton Diaz. Even though Blackburn are offering him a salary hike, the 23-year-old is insistent upon leaving the Championship club.
The reporter stated: "Ben Brereton Diaz has no intention of sitting down with #Rovers to discuss a new contract even though it contains a big pay rise.
"Blackburn approached him several months ago with opening offer, but Brereton Diaz is determined he wants to leave. Contract up next summer."
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The verdict
Things might be aligning for Brereton Diaz to make the move to Goodison Park.
Coming from the Championship, he perhaps shouldn't be the first-choice target. However, he could provide cover and competition for Calvert-Lewin, and that's precisely what Everton need at this moment in time.
Brereton Diaz bagged 22 goals in 37 league appearances last season to earn a place in the second tier's Team of the Year and he has started the new season in a decent vein of form, with three goal contributions in his first five matches.
Also, beyond the headline moments, the Chile forward has been commended for his work-rate, which former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray dubbed 'amazing', and that quality could certainly be appreciated by the Goodison Park faithful.