Everton have now reportedly been contacted with the opportunity to sign an international striker who has been likened to Erling Haaland in recent years.
Barry reveals Everton "ambition" after first goal
When Iliman Ndiaye drove beyond chasing Nottingham Forest defenders before gift-wrapping the perfect chance for Thierno Barry to break his duck against Nottingham Forest, there wouldn't have been a more relieved person inside The Hill Dickinson Stadium than the £27m signing.
The forward, now off the mark, has already set his sights on a key Everton "ambition" after finding the back of the net for the first time since his move from Villarreal in the summer.
“I think the ambition is here. [The manager] said he wants to go to Europe, so we try to fight with the big teams in the league. We don't have pressure because the pressure is on the top.”
Everton have every right to be thinking about European football after 15 Premier League games. The Toffees currently find themselves as high as seventh and just two points adrift of Crystal Palace inside the top four.
The January transfer window could help turn that ambition into a reality. The Friedkin Group already backed David Moyes in the summer, welcoming some of the club's most expensive ever arrivals and could yet do the same when the winter window opens next month.
Iliman Ndiaye for Everton Related
[Best signing since Ndiaye: 9/10 star is Everton's "most important" player](https://www.footballfancast.com/everton-ace-dewsbury-hall-has-become-their-most-crucial-player/ "Best signing since Ndiaye: 9/10 star is Everton's "most important" player")
This Everton star shone in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest
On that front, the search for a striker is still on despite Barry's goal drought coming to an end. The likes of Joshua Zirkzee are beginning to emerge as serious options, with Everton reportedly ready to pounce in the race to secure his signature.
What's more, the Toffees are also reportedly among the clubs to be offered the chance to sign Evan Ferguson in the January transfer window as he looks to finally revive his career.
Everton offered chance to sign Ferguson
Everton have now been contacted with the chance to sign Ferguson, according to TeamTalk, with AS Roma likely to bring his loan spell to an end next month.
The 21-year-old was supposed to get back to his best in Italy, but has scored just once in 14 games. A much-needed move has turned into a nightmare spell.
Everton, however, know all about getting players back to their best. Jack Grealish was becoming a forgotten star at Manchester City. Now, he's thriving under Moyes. The same can be said for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has become one of Everton's most important players despite struggling at Chelsea last season.
AS Roma's Evan Ferguson celebrates scoring their second goal with Manu Kone
Now, Ferguson could be next in line. The potential is certainly there, too. At 21 years old, the Republic of Ireland international is still a few years away from his peak and Everton should look to land what could prove to be an undeniable bargain next month.
Style-wise, Ferguson would arguably suit the current, physical version of the Premier League, especially given that Gary Lineker once compared him with Haaland - saying: "I don't want to get carried away but I do see a hint of Haaland about him. His stature and his movement and stuff like that. His youth, as well."
Dewsbury-Hall repeat: PL talent ready to leave his club with Everton keen