Everton are big fans of Real Betis winger Assan Diao, but simply don’t have the funds to make a move for him this month.
That’s according to Mucho Deporte, who say any potential move for the youngster would be held off until the summer.
They explain that Diao is one of the names that could be on the move at Betis in the January transfer window as he has aroused interest in the Premier League.
Brentford have pushed forward at the start of the window, but that operation is on hold, waiting for the Bees for the make a bid that matches Betis’ expectations.
The player, for his part, is perfectly comfortable where he is and is waiting to see if there are any more serious offers for him to make the jump to England.
Reports in England have also indicated Everton are interested and Mucho Deporte have been able to confirm that he is ‘liked within the Everton offices’. However, according to their information, ‘there is no money’ to make a move of this calibre happen.
That’s because if Diao leaves Betis will be for €25-30m, an ‘unthinkable figure’ for the Toffees in the January transfer window. That would change in the summer should 777 Partners’ proposed takeover take place as planned.
Why that is the case isn’t mentioned, and it seems unlikely given the current issues with Profit and Sustainability unless there is another major departure from Goodison Park first.
Either way, it seems Diao can be ruled out for the time being despite any noise in England and should instead be kept in the back pocket for the summer.
