Neal Maupay has held talks with Everton manager Frank Lampard

Brighton and Hove Albion star Neal Maupay has held talks with Everton manager Frank Lampard over a move to Goodison Park, according to The Athletic.  

The 26-year-old has been on the books of the Seagulls since 2019 and has since made 109 appearances across all competitions, with 27 goals to his name. 

Last season, he made 35 appearances across all competitions at the Falmer Stadium, scoring nine goals and creating two assists. 

However, the French footballer fell down the pecking order after Graham Potter’s side signed Deniz Undav in January from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. 

Maupay looked close to joining Nottingham Forest after the newly promoted Premier League outfit agreed a deal in principle for the forward. 

However, now Everton and Fulham have also joined Steve Cooper’s side in the race for the 26-year-old. 

It is said that Salernitana have also made a £15 million bid for the former Brentford star. This is the same offer which Forest made but the Italian outfit are reportedly unable to go further than that price. 

Good signing 

Everton lost Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer. They need to bring in another striker before the transfer window shuts. 

This has become more important recently as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been sidelined for a month after he picked up a knee injury in training. 

The Toffees have been able to score only one goal so far this season and that came from Lucas Digne who struck an own goal in last weekend’s match at Aston Villa. 

Frank Lampard’s side should do their best to sign Maupay who isn’t a prolific goal scorer but he has been a highly dependable player for Brighton. 

The French footballer has been the Seagulls’ top scorer in each of the previous three league seasons. He is known for his industry, movement and mobility. 

Also, the Merseyside club wouldn’t have to pay a huge transfer fee to secure his services.