Everton are exploring a number of deals ahead of the fast-approaching January transfer window.
David Moyes is keen to sign a striker this winter as Beto and Thierno Barry have scored one Premier League goal between them.
Everton have been linked with a move for Richarlison, although that transfer has been deemed unlikely by Alan Myers.
The Toffees have also been credited with interest in Ivan Toney and Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott.
Is Troy Parrott the perfect January signing for Everton?
Parrott was watched by Moyes’ scouts during the international break, but there is a much better option out there and here’s why.
Bologna striker Santiago Castro.
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Everton should sign Santiago Castro instead of Troy Parrott
Parrott seems to be the striker most heavily linked to Everton at the moment, but there should be some concerns about that potential signing.
The 23-year-old has been prolific in the Netherlands, but he only managed 13 goals in 102 games in England, so he’s already had difficulty adapting to the intensity of football in this country.
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Some Everton fans are also not convinced by Parrott, so the focus should start to turn towards Santiago Castro.
According to TEAMtalk, Moyes and his recruitment team are keeping close tabs on the Bologna centre-forward, and it’s understood a bid of around £31m could strike an agreement.
Castro is younger than Parrott and has netted 12 goals in Serie A since the start of last season, which is a significantly higher standard than the Eredivisie.
The 2004-born was actually on Moyes’ shortlist before the club went for Barry, so they’ve already done their due diligence on the Argentina youth international.
Santiago Castro still represents a risk for Everton
Whilst Castro would be a better option than Parrott, given his pedigree and record in one of Europe’s top five leagues, the potential signing still represents a big risk.
Everton have been down this road before with Beto in bringing in a forward from Italy, and that’s not really worked out.
Myers reckons the Toffees should focus on Premier League-proven strikers, although they come at a premium price.
David Moyes on Everton’s European hopes
“I really hope I can earn the opportunity to get back into European football here at Everton.”
Danny Welbeck could be an option for the Toffees, but given he’s 34-year-old, he would only be a stopgap.
Joshua Zirkzee is on Moyes’ radar, and that deal has serious legs to it, given the Netherlands international is open to leaving for another Premier League club.
Zirkzee has played just 82 minutes of league football this season, so he’s desperate to get out and play regularly ahead of the World Cup next summer.
Perhaps the aforementioned pair would be less risky options than Castro.