Everton could finally be set to end their search for a new striker…

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, both Fulham and the Toffees are looking to make a late swoop for Brighton and Hove Albion forward Neal Maupay.

Taking to Twitter, Crooke said: “Could be a late twist in Neal Maupay's move from BHAFC to NFFC with both EFC and Fulham pushing for the Frenchman.”

Just as it looked like Nottingham Forest were tying up a deal for the 26-year-old, there could be late drama which could benefit Frank Lampard.

Everton can finally axe Rondon

With the Toffees still on the search for a striker to fill in for the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their last two Premier League games have seen them opt for no recognised number nine, as winger Anthony Gordon instead deputised at centre-forward.

Against Chelsea, Salomon Rondon was suspended, so that made sense, although Lampard made the tactical decision to omit the Venezuelan against Aston Villa last Saturday.

It seems that the 32-year-old has no future at Goodison Park if, even during a selection crisis at centre-forward, Gordon is still preferred to him in that role.

An unpopular signing by an unpopular manager, Rafael Benitez brought a hugely unfit Rondon to Everton and gave him plenty of chances to shine. However, he has managed just three goals in 24 appearances, drawing ridicule from many Evertonians.

To bring in a cheeky “marksman” in Maupay, who would surely take over the role of centre-forward provocateur from the departed Richarlison, could go down well with the Goodison Park faithful.

Renowned for riling up opposition supporters, the Brighton ace also knows how to find the net consistently. This is integral for a Toffees side who are yet to see one of their own players score this season.

Last season the Frenchman found the net eight times, but it is his link-up play which will really excite Lampard. The “clinical” (as dubbed by Patrick Vieira) £50k-per-week star ranked in the top 9% for pressures per 90 among positional peers in Europe's top five leagues over the past 12 months, so he could initiate an Everton press backed up by the relentless Gordon and Dwight McNeil.

Also, his 77.8% pass completion rate puts him in the top 13% for strikers among Europe's major leagures. He can bring the exciting young talents around him into the play, and his general play could be just as valuable as the goals he would contribute.

Compared to Rondon’s 67.5% pass completion rate, it is a no-brainer for Lampard to try and get this deal done. The Everton boss must act fast to secure Maupay and finally ditch the toothless Venezuelan forward.