Everton linked with two strikers as Sean Dyche could give Neal Maupay the nod vs Leeds United
- Simon Wilkes
- 15 February 2023
Everton manager Sean Dyche has suggested Neal Maupay ‘may get a chance’ to impress against Leeds United this weekend - and has been linked with summer moves for two new strikers.
The Toffees have found goals hard to come by this season, scoring just 16 times in 22 Premier League games, and star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to be hampered by injuries.
Ellis Simms was given a chance in Monday night's Merseyside derby at Anfield - but failed to make an impact in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
And Dyche could turn to Maupay for Saturday's huge Premier League clash with relegation rivals Leeds United at Goodison Park.
The 26-year-old scored 26 goals in 84 league games for Brighton before moving to Everton in a £20million transfer last August - and could get the nod against the managerless Whites, with Demarai Gray also in contention for a starting role.
Dyche discussed Calvert-Lewin's fitness and his striking options this week, telling the Liverpool Echo: "Dominic is a very good player, he has played for England, he has been a very effective player for Everton. That is why he is such a renowned figure.
"But on the other hand there is growth when players get injured.
"That is when players come in and they should want to be thirsty to prove they are the next player, they are the one to be reckoned with. That is the mentality I have always believed in and that is what I want from these players.
"Ellis had a chance this week, Neal may get a chance next week, Dimi may get a chance.
"We are trying to affect games in as many ways as possible. This is still a tough challenge."
Dyche is also looking at his summer transfer window options, according to reports, and has been linked with moves for Villarreal forward Boulaye Dia and Club Brugge forward Noa Lang.
Dia is currently on loan with Salernitana and will assess his future at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, while Netherlands star Lang is also on Everton's radar.
Dyche is assessing other areas of his squad too, and has been linked with Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi, who is also believed to be on Leicester City and Brighton's wanted lists, with Juventus also monitoring his situation.
The Everton manager is keen to strengthen his defensive options and is believed to be keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who also has admirers in both Tottenham and Newcastle.
