Everton’s search for a new striker looks set to head into July after experiencing some issues along the way.
David Moyes will be keen to see some firepower added to his front line over the coming weeks in the market.
Everton are set to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of the month, and they’ve already allowed Armando Broja to return to Chelsea.
It is a position which has caused some major issues over recent years for the Blues.
Beto showed some promising form under Moyes, but there will be question marks as to whether he is the man to lead the line long-term.
The search for a new number nine has proven really difficult, with clubs across Europe all looking to add to their options.
And the Blues have just seen one sporting director publicly state his striker – who Everton are interested in – is absolutely not for sale.
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VfB Stuttgart inform Everton Nick Woltemade is not for sale
Everton are really keen on Nick Woltemade, but then there are not many clubs across Europe who are not showing an interest in him.
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The young Germany international has really taken the world by storm this season, as Woltemade continues to impress in the U21 Euros.
However, the Stuttgart sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth has made it clear his striker is not for sale this summer.
“The fact that this development hasn’t gone unnoticed and that we now read about interest from other clubs almost every day doesn’t change the fact that Nick’s journey with us is far from over,” he told BILD.
“We are firmly planning with Nick and we want to benefit from his sporting qualities in the coming year as well. There’s no alternative scenario for this.”
Woltemade is also of interest to Bayern Munich among a host of other European giants, which would prove difficult competition for Everton.
But it seems the youngster is being firmly taken off the market by the Stuttgart chief, who is keen to keep him around for the 2025/26 campaign.
Everton need to close a deal for Thierno Barry
After Everton missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea, it became obvious very quickly just how competitive the market was going to be for strikers this summer.
Fortunately, the Blues have managed to shift their focus fairly quickly.
Everton are working on a deal to sign Thierno Barry, who has also impressed during the U21 Euros and in La Liga for Villarreal.
As Woltemade has seemingly been taken off the market, Everton need to wrap up a deal for Barry to avoid any further upsets.
Everton want to wait until July and the new PSR window opens before they do any further business, but a deal is in the works.