Following the news of Dominic Calvert-Lewin's departure and their subsequent agreement to sign Thierno Barry, Everton are now reportedly racing to sign another striker for David Moyes.
Calvert-Lewin: "It's the right moment" to leave Everton
After nine years at the club, Calvert-Lewin confirmed his decision to leave Everton at the end of last month - claiming that "it's the right moment" to depart. Now a free agent, it remains to be seen what's next for the 28-year-old striker.
The forward took to social media to confirm the news of his exit, saying: "The choice to move on was not simply about me, it was a decision with my family and we spent a long time considering together. We believe it's the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn't lessen the bond I'll always have with Everton.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
"I'm deeply proud of what we've shared, fighting for this club when it mattered most, scoring big goals in crucial moments, wearing the shirt with commitment and pride. My hope is that I leave with your respect, knowing I always sought to uphold the values of this great club."
Everton, meanwhile, have been forced to turn towards the transfer market to land a replacement and perhaps even an instant upgrade in the form of Barry. The Villarreal striker is reportedly set to arrive for around £30m and kickstart what may still be a busy summer transfer window for the Toffees.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Thierno Barry Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Starts 28 19
Goals 16 3
Assists 4 1
Expected Goals 12.5 6.7
In one swift move, Moyes will have a striker at his disposal who reached double figures for goals last season and outperformed his expected rate, replacing a struggling forward in the process.
But that's not to say Everton are done when it comes to attacking reinforcements, with reports now suggesting that they're chasing a "big money" deal to sign an out and out number nine.
Everton chasing "big money" Ivanovic deal
According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Everton are now chasing a "big money" deal to sign Mihailo Ivanovic from Millwall this summer. The Serbian striker was praised for his "great form" by scout Jacek Kulig last season and ended the campaign with 14 goals in all competitions, with the Blues' leadership now 'big fans'.
mihailo-ivanovic-millwall-championship
Now, he deservedly finds himself at the centre of a transfer battle between Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Serie A side Lazio.
Reporting the news, O'Rourke told Football Insider: “I’m not surprised that there’s growing interest in Ivanovic. “He’s a player with huge potential and that’s maybe what Everton have spotted.
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Everton are interested in signing a new central defender or two this summer.
“There’ll be a number of clubs looking at him. Wolves have been, and even Lazio as well – so for Millwall, they could have a fight on their hands to keep hold of Ivanovic.
“If Millwall were to sell him, they’ll be looking at big, big money – when these Premier League and top European clubs come calling, Millwall will find it hard to keep hold of him. It doesn’t surprise me that Premier League clubs are looking at him, and Millwall will be fearing the worst – they could end up losing him this summer.”