Assane Diao in an Everton shirt
Assane Diao in an Everton shirt
The Toffees were keen to add quality to their flanks, with uncertainty around Tyrique George and Jack Grealish's future at the time.
However, David Moyes was of course able to bring the pair back to Hill Dickinson after their respective loan spells' last term.
But Tyler Dibling is once again in the conversation for a loan exit in January, while Grealish has now been suspended by the Blues for a breach of club discipline.
While the Friedkin Group are indeed looking to sell the club ahead of the winter window, they have already pledged their commitment to supporting Moyes if they cannot find a buyer before then.
TFG already gave Angus Kinnear and Co. to make a move for Diao in the summer, and they may not need much more to bring the winger to L3 in January.
Everton learn seven-figure shortfall for Assane Diao
Como instantly rejected Everton's £38.8m offer for Diao in the summer, as the Serie A outfit were initially holding out for around £65m.
Cesc Fabregas is a big fan of the right-winger, who has five goals and assists so far this season, and has netted in both Champions League games he's played in.
Unfortunately, the 21-year-old suffered a thigh injury earlier in October shortly after scoring in Como's 3-2 loss against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
Diao is expected to be out until the middle of November, as the Toffees look set for a hurdle-free attempt at him again in the winter, if they want to make another move.
According to Africa Foot, Como will ask for around £46m and will refuse anything below £42m, with a sale in January "possible".
It's said that Manchester United have followed him from the stands this season, along with scouts from Aston Villa, Liverpool, Brentford, Everton and several Italian clubs.
With that said, the Blues would need to increase their first offer of £38.8m to £46m to get a deal done.
That's only a £7.2m increase for a player who has already earned high plaudits for promising performances.
Why Diao is 'better' than Rafael Leao
Diao has been excelling for Como in the last three seasons, but was hit with a major injury that kept him sidelined last term.
Fortunately, he will be back in action for the Italian side soon, but could also be tempted by a move to play in the Premier League under Moyes.
Former England manager Fabio Capello has stated that he believes Diao is "better" than ex-AC Milan ace Rafael Leao, as per Football Italia.
Surely that's enough vindication for Everton to marginally up the ante for the winger?