Everton told to hijack Neal Maupay move after £15m bid news – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Everton to hijack Nottingham Forest’s move for Brighton striker Neal Maupay.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old could be “transformed” at Goodison Park – with The Toffees “desperate” for a new hitman.
According to Fabrizio Romano (15 August), Nottingham Forest are “closing in” on the £15million signing of Brighton striker Maupay.
As per talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook (13 August), Everton have also shown some interest in the former Brentford striker – who is “pushing” to leave the Amex Stadium after falling down the pecking order.
Maupay has notched 26 goals across three seasons in the Premier League – with his best return of 10 goals coming during the 2019-20 season.
Everton have also been linked with Che Adams as they look to plug the gap left by injured star Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Whelan insisted current striker Salomon Rondon will not “cause problems” for many top-flight sides.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “They need a centre-forward and someone who knows the Premier League.
“You could probably squeeze better out of Maupay. We’ve seen glimpses of him in the Premier League.
“The running he does off the ball, the chances he creates for himself, the finishing at times. He’s not been quite as consistent as he would have liked, but he’s a solid goalscorer.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures, but there’s a chance that he could be transformed at Everton.
“The need for a striker was clear against Villa. They’re lacking a focal point and they need some balance in that front three.
“Rondon is not going to trouble many teams, so Maupay could be the quick fix they need.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Premier League giants launch £40million approach for Everton ace.