Wolves ‘submit opening bid’ for £21m Everton target as striker search stretches beyond Che Adams

Wolverhampton Wanderers have seen an opening bid for Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia rejected, according to a reputable report on Deadline Day.

Gary O’Neil already has Matheus Cunha, Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic at his disposal but Wolves are eager to get another striker on board before 11pm.

Dia, who has been strongly linked to Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest this summer, is said to be a top target in the forward department.

Fabrizio Romano reports Wanderers had an official proposal “rejected out of hand” by Salernitana on Thursday evening. It’s unknown how much the offer was or whether Wolves will return.

The 26-year-old is a proven goalscorer who could perhaps solve Wolves’ attacking woes. The Senegalese international netted 16 and assisted six in 33 Serie A matches last term.

Before that, he scored five and contributed five assists in just 1,266 minutes for Villarreal in La Liga. He also notched 14 goals in a single Ligue 1 season for Stade Reims back in 2020/21.

It was reported widely earlier in the summer that a £21 million release clause was available but that is said to have expired. As a result, Dia could cost well in excess of that.

Meanwhile, talks are still ongoing with Southampton for fellow forward Che Adams. AFC Bournemouth are also in the race but the Old Gold are confident to get a deal done.