Everton must break the bank to deliver Ivan Toney to the Hill Dickinson Stadium at the request of David Moyes.
The Toffees are struggling in attack, with current striking duo Thierno Barry and Beto struggling to meet expectations with the Premier League side.
After eight matches, Barry and Beto have managed just one goal between them which came via Beto's effort in Everton's 3-2 win over Wolves back in August. While Illiman Ndiaye has scored three and others have contributed, a tally of just nine goals in the Premier League so far this term represents a significant achilles heel that needs to be rectified if the Merseysiders are to kick on this term.
As a result, a move to sign Toney could prove to be the ideal solution.
Ivan Toney Is Worth Every Penny For Everton
Ivan Toney
Everton's need for a striker could lead them to the door of Ivan Toney, a player whom Toffees' boss Moyes is a big fan of. During his time with Brentford, Toney scored 36 goals in 85 Premier League games.
Currently playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli and earning £612,000 per week, the 29-year-old, who has been described as 'unbelievable', could be tempted by a return to the Premier League in order to boost his hopes of being selected by Thomas Tuchel for England's squad for next summer's World Cup.
Speaking on the Royal Blue podcast, the Liverpool Echo's Everton reporter Chris Beesley delivered the latest on the Toffees' interest in Toney, saying:
“They had the quotes from the original piece were saying that the people from within the Toney camp were favouring the move to Everton, ahead of West Ham United, and that he was keen that he thought a move back to the Premier League and could get him in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the World Cup because I don’t think he’s featured since the Senegal friendly last summer.
“But as far as I understand, well, it was my understanding, he was somebody when David Moyes first came into the club. My understanding was, that he was on the manager’s radar then, but I think there are numerous hurdles over this one.
"I think we’ve talked about the money with Jack Grealish, but in terms of I think with Saudi Arabia and the tax issue there with him coming back, that could be a major stumbling block, so maybe take it with a pinch of salt.”
Any move for Toney will depend on how desperate Everton are to solve their striking crisis. If Beto, who earns £75,000-a-week, and Barry are unable to get themselves on track, it may mean that the Toffees have little choice but to break the bank for a more competent option.
Despite spending big money on Barry and Beto in recent summers, it's clear right now that neither are up to the task, and Toney's addition could be the missing piece of the puzzle that is needed to take the team to the next level.