Everton appear ready to resist the temptation to sign a free-agent striker despite their shortage of options up front, with fresh reports playing down moves for Anthony Martial and Mauro Icardi.
The Toffees ended the summer transfer window desperately short of centre-forward options after selling Beto to Fiorentina and failing to complete a deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.
That has left Thierno Barry as the only recognised senior striker and prompted Everton to be linked with several players who remain available outside the transfer window.
Martial and Icardi have both featured prominently in those reports, but a significant update from The i Paper suggests David Moyes may have to work with what he has until January.
Everton prepared to wait for January
Northern Football Correspondent Mark Douglas reports that Everton’s priority when the transfer market reopens will be to bring in a striker capable of supporting Barry.
However, there is said to be “little appetite” inside the club to scour the free-agent market in the meantime.
Douglas adds that links with Martial and Icardi have been played down, although neither possibility has been completely ruled out. The preference is reportedly to wait for the right long-term option.
It moves on two stories that gathered momentum this week. Martial was reported to be open to an Everton move, although his wages were considered a potential obstacle, while reports elsewhere suggested Everton could make contact over Icardi in the coming days.
For now, the message appears to be: no panic signing.
It leaves Moyes painfully short of alternatives to Barry, but unless Everton’s stance changes, January rather than the free-agent market looks increasingly likely to provide the answer.
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