Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
Everton's strong summer transfer window ended in nightmare fashion as they significantly weakened their attacking options before the deadline passed.
David Moyes' side saw Iliman Ndiaye depart for Man City in a deal worth £65m, while Beto moved to Fiorentina in a permanent transfer worth around £15m. The club had planned to bring in Folarin Balogun from Monaco as a replacement, but despite agreeing a deal, the move collapsed when the striker had a change of heart after a deal sheet was submitted.
The Toffees had also attempted to sign Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee and West Ham star Taty Castellanos, but left it too late for a deal to be agreed with either club.
Moyes has now confirmed that the club will explore the free agent market to find some depth in the number nine position to ease the pressure on Thierno Barry, and reports have emerged that the club are looking at a surprise deal to bring Jamie Vardy back to the Premier League.
But the Leicester City legend managed just seven goals in 29 appearances in Serie A for Cremonese last season, and at 39-years-old he has is way beyond his peak, having largely relied on his physical attributes throughout his career.
While it's certainly an option Everton should consider, the club should be aiming high and casting their net wide for all possibilities, and that should see them take a serious look at Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema instead.
The iconic Frenchman has left Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and is now available for nothing, and it's understood that he is not ready to retire despite considering it as an option.
Everton have got pace and quality in the attacking areas, and Benzema is known as one of the best technical forwards of his generation. He has never been someone to rely on pace to get away from defenders, and his ability to link up with the likes of Jack Grealish and Tyrique George is something that could make the team very dangerous going forward.
He would also bring great experience and leadership to a changing room that is light on numbers and has been battling against relegation rather than for trophies in recent years.
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The Friedkin Group have been criticised by sections of the Everton fan base for their lack of ambition in the transfer market since taking over, and their performance in the transfer window this summer has done little to help them.
While it may not be possible to convince Benzema to make the switch to Merseyside at this stage of his career, the club should at least give everything they can to try and make it happen. A player of his calibre, even at 38-years-old, is not readily available very often, and he would be a huge upgrade for Everton even on a short-term deal.
Getting a player like that in would be a major statement for Everton, but also for the board, to prove their commitment to the cause and show that they really want the club to be successful.
David Moyes looks on during Everton vs Bournemouth
David Moyes looks on during Everton vs Bournemouth