FC Barcelona want to sign Everton target Luis Diaz from FC Porto, according to a report from MARCA. 

The lowdown

Everton tried to arrange a swap deal for Diaz during the summer transfer window, with compatriot James Rodriguez going the other way (via The Athletic).

However, the proposed move stalled because Porto were unable to meet James' wage demands.

Diaz has made a flying start to the new Primeira Liga season, scoring five goals in Porto's first seven matches to lead the Golden Boot race, so it's hard to imagine Everton's interest has done anything other than increase.

The 24-year-old has just under three years left to run on his contract at the Estadio do Dragao (via Transfermarkt).

The latest

Diaz is 'the latest name' added to Barcelona's list of targets by club president Joan Laporta.

His €30million (£25.6million) price tag is apparently affordable for the Catalan giants.

Barcelona are 'not the only club who have taken notice' of Diaz's form, and rival suitors may be able to offer higher wages.

But Laporta's hope is that his 'pitch' will lure the Colombian to the Camp Nou.

The verdict

Everton may have missed their opportunity to land Diaz. Based on his red-hot early season form, he's going to catch the eye of more European heavyweights, and they may simply be unable to compete if Barcelona and others of their stature all join the race.

Still, you can't really criticise club officials for failing to negotiate a deal. It ultimately comes down to the fact that James' representatives 'refused to budge' on their salary expectations.

Perhaps one final blow for the Toffees from the Colombian's tenure on Merseyside.

In other news, many Everton fans tore into this player during their clash with Norwich.