Everton have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, with the Ligue 1 outfit seeking to move the youngster on this summer.

What's the word?

According to L'Equipe (via Sports Witness), the Toffees are one of the clubs - alongside both Fulham and Newcastle United - who are 'watching his situation', albeit with it unclear at present if the Merseysiders do actually hold genuine interest.

The suggestion is that his current side are seeking out Premier League clubs whom they could potentially offload the Senegalese international to before the window closes, with the 22-year-old having been frozen out by new boss Igor Tudor.

The report suggests that those at the Stade Velodrome are holding out for around €15m-€12m (£13m - £11m) for the emerging prospect.

Lampard's own Mane

Although the report outlines that the Goodison outfit are currently not considering a move for the 11-cap gem, it would appear somewhat foolish to turn their noses up at a player who would represent something of a bargain for Frank Lampard's side.

With two defeats from two in the top-flight so far this season, one major issue has been the lack of a centre-forward due to the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin through injury, leaving Newcastle United target Anthony Gordon to feature in a makeshift striking role.

The absence of a real focal point could well harm the club's chances of survival if no new addition is made before the September deadline, hence the need to turn to Dieng who can provide instant quality to Lampard's forward line, as he has the versatility to feature both centrally and on the flanks.

The 5 foot 10 speedster scored eight goals and provided three assists in a breakthrough campaign in France last term, with only the now departed Richarlison having netted more times in all competitions among the Everton squad during the 2021/22 campaign.

Equally, the "explosive" marksman - as dubbed by Jorge Sampaoli - also appears set to go from strength to strength in the coming years, having even been dubbed the "new Sadio Mane" in his homeland, such are the expectations that he can emulate his compatriot.

That comparison is a hugely exciting one such is the devastating impact that Mane made for their Merseyside neighbours Liverpool, scoring 120 goals and providing 48 assists in 269 games in all competitions during his six-year spell at Anfield, while also winning a plethora of major honours in that time.

Now at Bayern Munich after joining the Bundesliga side on a £35m deal earlier this summer, the 30-year-old blossomed into a real superstar during his stint under Jurgen Klopp, with pundit Jamie Carragher labelling him as a "true Liverpool legend" upon his departure.

Those at Everton would likely jump at the chance to have a Mane-esque player in their ranks, hence the need to take the opportunity of signing young Dieng.

He is almost being handed to them on a plate...