Neal Maupay has held talks with Everton manager Frank Lampard

Brighton & 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, netting 27 goals.

He made 35 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring nine goals and creating two assists. 

However, the French footballer fell down the pecking order after Brighton signed Deniz Undav from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in January.

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

However, Everton and Fulham have also joined Forest in the race.

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

Maupay would be a 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 scored just one goal this season courtesy of a Lucas Digne own goal in last weekend’s match at Aston Villa. 

Everton should do their best to sign Maupay who isn’t a prolific goalscorer 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. 

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