The Italian news outlet reported that the forward will not leave his club for a fee of less than £17.2million, with general manager Walter Sabatini demanding a big fee despite the injury Dia is currently suffering from.
Alongside Everton, Premier League clubs West Ham and Wolves have also been credited with an interest in the striker, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt, AC Milan and Fiorentina.
Everton’s reported interest in Dia has been long-standing, as he was heavily linked with a move to Merseyside in the summer transfer window before the club ultimately decided to bring Beto to Goodison Park, and it appears that interest has lingered.
So far this season, Dia has scored just four goals in 13 Serie A appearances. It’s not exactly an eye-catching tally, although the lingering interest in his signature suggests the club sees more to the striker’s game than just his ability in front of goal.
Along with his injury, the fact Dia was included in the Senegal squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations means he may not be available to play for Everton until after the final on 11 February.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto have stuttered in their form so far this season, so it is unsurprising to see Everton linked with another striker, but his goalscoring record does not suggest he would make a major difference to Sean Dyche’s side.
