Everton still hope to sign a new striker this summer.
The Toffees were ready to sell Beto in the winter transfer window, and despite an upturn in form from Thierno Barry, the 23-year-old needs help in the striker department, even more so if Everton qualify for Europe.
David Moyes wanted to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich back in the summer before Chelsea eventually sealed a £30m deal – but TEAMtalk say Everton are still monitoring the England U21 international as doubts begin to emerge at Stamford Bridge.
Winter window now shut, what striker do you want signed in the summer for Everton? 💥
No excuses can be made when the window opens again 😫
Troy Parrott lined up for the Republic of Ireland. Ivan Toney playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Richarlison playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile/Yasser Bakhsh/Molly Darlington/Copa.
Liam Delap playing for his Chelsea future as Everton lurk
TEAMtalk now state that there is an ‘acceptance’ at Chelsea that the 22-year-old needs to improve in the second half of the season, or else he could be sold.
Delap has scored just two goals in 22 appearances since his move to west London, and Chelsea are said to be considering Samu Aghehowa of Porto as a potential replacement.
Furthermore, Emmanuel Emegha has already agreed to move from Strasbourg to Chelsea this summer, where he will provide even more competition for the Manchester City academy graduate.
As a result, Everton are said to still be paying close attention to Delap – along with Manchester United and Newcastle – in case Chelsea decide to listen to offers at the end of the season.
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David Moyes has already held positive talks with Liam Delap
As the Chelsea No.9 weighed up his options over the summer, he spoke to Moyes and was impressed by the pitch made by Everton – according to Simon Phillips.
However, Fabrizio Romano then claimed Delap ultimately chose Chelsea because of Enzo Maresca and the chance to play UEFA Champions League football.
Where does Beto stack up among Everton’s worst-ever strikers? 🤔
Just 13 goals in 83 Premier League appearances is so poor 🫣
Beto of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole/Offside.
Maresca has since been sacked, and Delap only played three out of eight games in the UEFA Champions League so far, so perhaps he might jump at the chance to become the main man at Everton.
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