Everton are reportedly eyeing a move for Serie A forward Keita Balde Diao as the Merseyside club look to replace their outgoing star Romelu Lukaku. The 22-year-old has been one of the main attractions this season in the Italian league garnering attention from many top clubs across Europe and the Toffees are reportedly competing with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United for him.
After long-dragged negotiation talks, Ronald Koeman seems to have failed in holding on to his best player last season as the Belgian has reportedly agreed on talks with his former club Chelsea. The Toffees had a decent season under the new manager as they finished in the seventh position of the league table with 61 points.
Everton are known to nurture some of the most extraordinary talents in England and this season saw the inevitable rise of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley. Both the players had exhibited their potentials in patches over the past few seasons and Everton knew sooner or later they would break into the big stage. However, all their planning could lead to nothing as they are likely to miss out on both on them.
Getting a forward of similar potential is definitely a huge challenge for the manager now, and it seems like they have already identified one in the Lazio forward. The Senegal international has scored 16 goals last season registering six assists in all competitions for the Italian club, helping the side to finish in the fourth in the league.
The Barcelona youth product is believed to have all the attributes to become a top striker and Everton could be the perfect platform for him to showcase his talents. A left winger by nature, Keita can play on the right flank and also as a centre forward. And it is his versatility in the attacking third blended with tremendous pace, which makes him an exceptional talent up front.
His physique also makes him a suitable candidate for English football as he is likely to cope in aerial duels with his 184cm height. Although he is not as tall as Lukaku, his sublime dribbling skills more than compensate for it. Ligue 1 Champions AS Monaco and La Liga side Valencia are also keeping tabs on him.
Although the competition looks fierce for Everton, who neither have the stature nor financial stability to win the race for him, Lukaku’s sale is expected to fetch the Merseyside club an enormous fee that could help Keita’s move.
