Everton appear to be holding firm on their plan to wait until January for another striker, even with Mauro Icardi and Anthony Martial still available as free agents.
David Moyes was left with Thierno Barry as his only recognised senior centre-forward following a dramatic (some would say disastrous) end to the summer transfer window.
Beto joined Fiorentina before Everton’s proposed £40m move for Folarin Balogun collapsed, leaving the Blues short of the additional striker they had been trying to sign.
Everton show no sign of changing striker plan
Icardi and Martial were among the free agents subsequently linked with moves to the Hill Dickinson, but there remains no indication that Everton are close to signing either player.
Football Insider has reported that the Blues are prepared to wait until the January transfer window rather than bring in a free agent simply to increase Moyes’ options.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told the outlet that Moyes would prefer to reassess the position in January, unless a suitable player became available who could make an immediate contribution.
Icardi, 33, remains without a club after leaving Galatasaray in the summer. The former Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker has been linked with Everton, although subsequent reports played down the prospect of negotiations taking place.
Martial is also still available following his spell with Monterrey. The former Manchester United forward was reportedly offered to Everton earlier this month, but there has been no subsequent indication that the Blues intend to pursue a deal.
Barry has meanwhile scored five goals in all competitions since joining Everton, including the winner against Ipswich Town at the Hill Dickinson on Saturday.
With no fresh move for Icardi, Martial or another free agent reported, Everton’s position appears to remain as it was: Barry leads the line for now, with the striker options set to be reassessed in January.
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