EVERTON and Fulham are trying to hijack Neal Maupay’s move from Brighton to Nottingham Forest.
Maupay, 26, was left out of the Brighton squad for Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle after Forest agreed a £15million fee.
But the Frenchman is stalling on agreeing terms after holding talks with Everton boss Frank Lampard as well.
While Fulham are also looking at Maupay to ease the scoring burden on Aleksander Mitrovic.
Maupay has scored 26 goals in 102 league games for Brighton since a £14m move from Brentford in the summer of 2019.
Forest recently completed deals for midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Atalanta ace Remo Freuler.
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And manager Steve Cooper has now looked to add more firepower to his squad having also completed the £20m signing of Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis.
The Nigerian was the 15th arrival of a busy summer at the City Ground but Forest feel adding Maupay will strengthen their survival chances further.
Meanwhile, Everton have told Chelsea Anthony Gordon is not for sale after rejecting two bids for the winger.
The Toffees most recently hit back a £45m offer for the winger and have told the Blues not to return with another bid.
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But one player they could sell is January flop Dele Alli, who has struggled to make an impact since his arrival.
The midfielder is being eyed up by Turkish giants Besiktas and could leave on loan or a permanent basis.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk