Everton have made contact to explore the potential signing of Assane Diao, as Como slapped a massive price tag of €75 million for the winger.

According to Sport Mediaset, Everton are ready to explore a move for Assane Diao, potentially as an alternative to Malick Fofana. There are obvious hurdles along the way, including Como’s reported asking price of €75 million for the 2005-born attacking sensation.

Assane Diao made a huge impact at Como once the Serie A outfit signed him in a €12 million deal back in January from Real Betis. With eight goals and a single assist in 15 Italian top-flight games, manager Cesc Fabregas considers him integral to his plans moving forward.

Como have no interest in derailing their project by selling one of their top stars, as they are also considering a purchase of Nico Paz’s 100% rights in this window. As per the report, Como have already rejected a €45 million offer from an unnamed club for Diao, as they would like to seek at least €75 million.

A hefty price point to sell Assane Diao was always on Como’s mind, and the asking rate could prove troublesome for suitors like Everton for the 2005-born Senegalese attacking sensation. The Premier League side are in the market for a winger, as David Moyes eyes a signing that could galvanise his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Everton have already made contact for Diao to express their interest, but were told of the huge €75 million asking price in the process. Whether that would suit the Toffees remains to be seen, although the club are not flush with cash to make such an investment on a player who has been brilliant for all but the last six months.

Everton is targeting a new winger

Everton had advanced in talks for Malick Fofana, and it appears their chase of Diao might be linked with fears of losing out on the Belgian winger. There have been reports stating Fofana may not prefer the Toffees, although, as Fabrizio Romano stated, the Lyon star is yet to decide on a move to Merseyside.

The Toffees are also keen on Takefusa Kubo as an alternative, although there is every chance the Japanese international could be seen as an additional signing to a left-winger. It remains to be seen whether Everton can persuade either of those stars to join Moyes’s side in the coming days, although there are doubts whether the club can afford someone like Assane Diao.