Everton have now been told that they'll have to pay a record price to sign an attacking reinforcement, who's also in the sights of German giants Bayern Munich.
Everton plotting attacking additions
Whilst Thierno Barry certainly did his job against Manchester United, his run for a first Everton goal only continued. The fact that the Toffees were down to 10 men didn't help his chase for that vital goal, but questions about continuing to arrive as to whether David Moyes should look to January for key reinforcements in the striker's position.
Ahead of the winter window, several names have already been linked with a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, including Troy Parrott. The Republic of Ireland striker has been in sensational form for club and country this season and grabbed Everton's attention by scoring five goals in two games to help Ireland into the World Cup playoffs earlier this month.
The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster would be an excellent addition, but so would Celtic's Daizen Maeda. The Japan international reportedly wants to leave the Scottish club and could do so for as little as £15m in January - allowing Everton to land a bargain deal.
Daizen-Maeda-Celtic
At his best, Maeda scored 33 goals in all competitions for Celtic last season, before struggling to replicate that in an inconsistent side in the current campaign.
So, Everton certainly have options if they do want to add competition to Barry and Beto this winter. So much so that they may not even need to turn towards Parrott or Maeda. Instead, they could sign Franculino Dju from Midtjylland.
Everton told to pay record fee to sign Franculino Dju
According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have been told to pay €35m (£31m) to sign Franculino in January, which would break Midtjylland's transfer record.
Alan Shearer Related
[Everton line up January move for England international who Alan Shearer called "world class"](https://www.footballfancast.com/everton-david-moyes-james-ward-prowse-transfer-news-updates/ "Everton line up January move for England international who Alan Shearer called "world class"")
The Toffees have spotted a low-cost opportunity.
Joined by Bayern Munich and Manchester United in pursuit of the forward, it remains to be seen whether the Toffees are willing to pay such a price to secure his signature after sending scouts to watch him recently.
The Friedkin Group certainly weren't afraid of splashing the cash in the summer, having made Tyler Dibling their second most-expensive ever signing at £42m and spent £27m on Barry's arrival.
Dubbed "unstoppable" by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this month, Franculino is well worth the chase for Everton. The 21-year-old has recently taken his total to 19 games in 28 games for the season and that clinical form makes him someone to watch ahead of January.
Everton ready to replace £120,000-a-week star with key January signing