Everton and Bournemouth enter race for Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Díaz

Bournemouth and Everton are interested in signing Ben Brereton Díaz from Blackburn Rovers, who are considering an £8.5m bid from Nice for the Chile striker.

Brereton Díaz is one of the most prolific forwards in the Championship and Blackburn face a fight to keep him before the transfer window shuts. The 23-year-old’s contract expires next year and his performances have attracted the attention of a number of clubs.

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Nice made the first move on Tuesday night, but the Ligue 1 club face competition for Brereton Díaz’s signature. Bournemouth and Everton are both looking for attacking reinforcements and are considering whether to bid for Brereton Díaz, who scored 22 goals in the Championship last season.

Everton’s need is particularly pressing given that they have not replaced Richarlison following the Brazilian’s move to Tottenham. Frank Lampard is also dealing with the absence of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has sat out his side’s first two Premier League fixtures, while Everton are also trying to fend off Chelsea’s interest in the 21-year-old winger Anthony Gordon.

Lampard, who is prepared to let the former Tottenham attacker Dele Alli move to Besiktas on loan, is desperate to sign a striker. Brereton Díaz, who can play on the left wing and through the middle, is open to a move. He has scored two goals in his first three appearances for Blackburn this season. Everton are also interested in Coventry’s Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres.

West Ham have also looked at Brereton Díaz, though they are unlikely to follow up on their interest. Bournemouth are pushing harder to sign the former Nottingham Forest striker. Scott Parker needs more firepower following his side’s promotion to the Premier League and Bournemouth believe that Brereton Díaz is capable of making the step up to the top flight.