Everton may have the opportunity to offload Neal Maupay in the final days of the summer transfer window, with Ligue 1 club Marseille reportedly targeting the striker, according to reports.
The Toffees have had a poor start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, suffering two defeats in their opening games.
They were beaten by Brighton & Hove Albion in their first match and faced another heavy loss against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Everton have made five new signings this summer, but they have also seen several players depart, including Amadou Onana, Ben Godfrey, and Lewis Dobbin.
Additionally, Dele Alli and Andre Gomes left on free transfers.
Marseille have identified Maupay as a key target as they embark on a new era under former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The French side, who finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season, aim to strengthen their squad by bringing in the 28-year-old forward.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Marseille are actively pursuing Maupay and have made him their top priority for this transfer window.
Negotiations with Everton are ongoing as they seek to move him from Goodison Park.
However, securing Maupay’s signature won’t be easy, as Premier League club Brentford is also interested.
Maupay, who joined Everton from Brighton for £15 million in 2022, spent last season on loan at Brentford after scoring just one goal in 27 appearances for Everton in the 2022/23 season.
Maupay signed a three-year deal when he transferred to Everton, and with just one year remaining on his contract, Everton is looking to sell him this summer.
The striker has been praised by Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who described him as ‘fantastic.’
Everton’s asking price for Maupay has emerged from reports in France.
While they paid £15 million to Brighton, they are reportedly looking to sell him for around £6.7 million.
Marseille has already had a direct loan offer rejected by Everton, who are seeking a permanent transfer.
Maupay has not featured in any of Everton’s matches this season.
He was an unused substitute in their loss to Brighton and again in their heavy defeat to Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Marseille started their Ligue 1 season strongly with a 5-1 victory over Brest. They will face Reims in their next match on Sunday evening.
