Everton have been linked with a move for Ben Brereton Diaz since the summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source ahead of the transfer window reopening at the end of this week.

What's the latest?

According to journalist Dean Jones, Everton have the "strongest links" to the Blackburn Rovers striker in their pursuit to improve their attacking threat.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

"At the moment, the strongest links are to Brereton Diaz or [Viktor] Gyokeres at Coventry."

"And that level of signing, yes, those players have got a lot to prove, so will have a lot of drive, have good goalscoring instincts, but they’re not guaranteed to step up and deliver. And that’s probably the biggest gamble when going for players like that."

Next Everton goal-machine

It is no secret that Everton are in desperate need of more clinical and natural finishers in the final third after scoring just 12 Premier League goals so far over their first 16 outings.

The Toffees' goal-shy approach to their top flight performances have cost them dearly in their pursuit for a more comfortable campaign this season and are now just one point clear of the relegation zone heading into their New Year's Eve Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend.

As a result, manager Frank Lampard must take the golden opportunity in January to land his next Everton goal-machine after losing Richarlison in the summer and Dominic Calvert-Lewin still struggling with injury issues.

Brereton Diaz has been a stand-out performer once again in front of goal in the Championship for Rovers after failing to make a move to Goodison Park in the summer.

Over 24 Championship appearances so far, the 23-year-old - who was hailed "elite" by Forest legend Gary Brazil - has scored nine goals, delivered three assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging one key pass, 2.7 shots on goal and 2.7 duels won per game.

Not only that, the Chile international can offer Lampard depth across the front three as the player has a wealth of experience playing on both the left and right wing as well as in the centre-forward role, and with just a reported £20m transfer fee needed it would give Everton a player who can bolster each position in the final third.

With that being said, the signing of Brereton Diaz - who has also been described as a "goal machine" by The Sun journalist Alan Nixon - would be a great piece of business for the Toffees as even when Calvert-Lewin returns, the talented forward can still feature in the first team by partnering the Everton striker in the wide-forward position instead.