Everton transfer deadline day rumours: final Luis Diaz push, Blues try to hijack Dan James’ move to Leeds

Transfer deadline day is upon on and things are expected to be pretty hectic at Goodison Park.

Everton have until 23.00 BST to tie up any remaining deals, with plenty of names being linked.

We could see some players depart the Blues also, with one youngster in particular closing in on a loan exit.

Here’s a round-up of all the transfer rumours on the blue half of Merseyside.

Final Diaz push

Everton are making one last attempt to sign Luis Diaz from Porto.

The Blues are prepared to offer in excess of €30 million - along with fellow Colombian James Rodriguez - as a makeweight for the winger.

However, Rodriguez's wages, which are said to be around £200,000 per week, have made a deal difficult so far despite not being in Benitez's plans. (W Radio Colombia)

Boga eyed

Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga is being tracked.

The 24-year-old is in high demand, with Premier League rivals West Ham, Napoli, Lyon and Atalanta also admirers.

Boga has improved markedly since leaving Chelsea in 2018 and a return to England could tempt.

The former Birmingham City loanee is valued at €20 million. (Foot Mercato)

Milan cool James interest

AC Milan have cooled their interest in Rodriguez.

It was reported that the Rossoneri could hand the playmaker, who is surplus to requirements at Goodison a lifeline.

But Milan have pulled out of the race and Rodriguez could be left in limbo ahead of tonight’s deadline. (ESPN)

Rondon complicated

Salomon Rondon’s potential move to Everton is becoming complicated.

Benitez is keen to reunite with the striker who scored 12 goals for him while on loan at Newcastle.

The Spaniard also signed Rondon when in charge of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional - his current outfit.

But if the 31-year-old is to move to Goodison, he will have to forgo a significant sum of cash he is owed. (Daily Mail)

James hijack attempted

Everton have tried to hijack Daniel James' move from Manchester United to Leeds.

The winger is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Leeds have been long-time admirers of James, having been close to his signing before he moved to Man Utd.

Everton have registered interest although Elland Road is still looking his likely destination. (Football Insider)

Youngster set for loan

Niels Nkounku is closing in on a move to Standard Liege on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old is behind Lucas Digne in the left-back pecking order and has made only six appearances since arriving at Everton last summer.

A move to the Belgian outfit will allow Nkounkou to garner much-needed senior experience.

Liege wanted the option to buy the France youth international next summer but the Blues refused. (Het Laatste Nieuws)

Right figure needed for Longstaff

Newcastle's Sean Longstaff could be sold to Everton if "all the figures are right".

Longstaff has been tipped to reunite with Benitez, having handed him his breakthrough when in charge of the Magpies.

The 23-year-old impressed in Newcastle United's 2-2 draw against Southampton at the weekend.

However, Longstaff has less than a year remaining on his contract and the St James' Park outfit could look to cash in rather than risk losing him for free next summer. (Newcastle Chronicle)