Everton could have their sights set on a new pricey striker after missing out on Folarin Balogun in the summer
Vitor Roque of Palmeiras celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during a Campeonato Paulista second leg Final match between Novorizontino and Palmeiras
Vitor Roque is reportedly on Everton's radar(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
Everton are reportedly interested in Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque. The Toffees' target is thought to be worth more than £41.5million.
DavidMoyes' need for a striker became glaring this summer, when Iliman Ndiaye and Beto both waved goodbye to Hill Dickinson Stadium. Folarin Balogun seemed poised to come and lead the line, but his move collapsed.
A £38.5m deal was agreed with Monaco on deadline day but fitness concerns and the player walking away at the eleventh hour meant only one senior striker would remain at the club for the foreseeable future: Thierno Barry.
Barry has been something of a revelation up top since August and he's bagged four Premier League goals in nine games. He also scored a hat-trick against Preston in the Carabao Cup and has four goals in the competition overall.
READ MORE: Everton Premier League fixture moved after Fleetwood Town Carabao Cup date confirmed
READ MORE: Warning issued to Everton fans travelling to Hill Dickinson Stadium for Coventry City clash this Friday
However, it appears that Barry's fine scoring run has not stopped the Toffees from seeking out another striker. And Roque could be the player they turn to.
David Moyes "speaks to Thierno Barry of Everton before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Chelsea FC at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Barry has been on fire(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
Make sure you never miss the latest Everton news and opinion by making Liverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources.
The 21-year-old has scored nine goals in all competitions this season for Palmeiras and that's taking into account an ankle injury that sidelined him for a good chunk of the campaign.
He is young, compact and is great at holding off defenders as any Moyes striker should be. He can also utilise a blistering turn of foot and make deadly runs in behind.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Everton are considering a move in January 2027. It is claimed he would act as competition to Barry for that starting centre-forward's spot.
Palmeiras' forward #09 Vitor Roque celebrates after scoring a penalty during the Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg football match between Ecuador's Liga de Quito and Brazil's Palmeiras at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium
Roque scored 20 goals last year(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
Roque only moved to Palmeiras in 2025. He started his career with Cruzeiro and Athletico Paranaense before signing for Barcelona in 2023.
It never quite worked out in La Liga, however. Following a loan spell at Real Betis, he returned to Brazil with Palmeiras. Barcelona sold Roque for £20m, but they retain 20 per cent of the striker's economic rights.
He scored 20 goals in 2025 and is under contract until December 2029. But this might not stop Everton from launching a bid when the new year arrives, though the £41.5m sum is only the reported starting price for Roque.