Thierno Barry in action for Everton, with David Moyes in a circular inset
Thierno Barry in action for Everton, with David Moyes in a circular inset
Everton are still not completely convinced that they can rely on Thierno Barry to lead the line by himself for a full season.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season under David Moyes, having scored ten goals and provided three assists in 13 appearances across all competitons.
However, he is being forced to carry their goalscoring load alone after the board failed to complete the signing of a new striker after allowing Beto to leave late in the window.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are still determined to sign a new striker in January, despite Barry's impressive season so far.
His goalscoring record has vastly improved from last season, but his overall displays have left something to be desired amid fears about his level if the goals do dry up.
As a result, the addition of a new striker remains a priority for Moyes, who is hopeful he will finally be given the support he needs to help Everton move up the league table.
Could Thierno Barry be replaced at Everton?
Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider in September that Barry is more confident in front of goal than he was last season, and has stepped up his displays.
Despite that, there are still concerns about his consistency in front of goal and his quality in other areas of the pitch which could force Everton to consider new options.
Should Everton dip into the transfer market, it will be to find a rival for Barry rather than a direct replacement, as his form should keep him firmly in Moyes' plans.
"Everton still want to sign a new striker in January, that hasn't changed," Brown told Football Insider.
"Barry is having a good season, there's no arguing with that, he's started scoring goals more regularly and he looks a better player than he looked last season certainly.
"But there are still lingering doubts about him, because to be frank, he's not a top-class footballer and there are a lot of weaknesses to his game.
"He's not particularly good on the ball, doesn't hold up play especially well, he's not great in the air, he's inconsistent in front of goal, even if he is scoring more regularly.
"So let's say the goals dry up for him or he goes though a tricky spell, as most strikers do, what does he offer to the team? Not a lot.
"Everton need another striker, not necessarily to come in and replace Barry, but to provide competition and to give Moyes another option to call upon up front."
Which strikers are on Everton's radar?
As part of their plans to strengthen up front during the January transfer window, Everton have been linked with a number of attacking options who are on their radar.
Monaco star Folarin Balogun came close to joining the Toffees in the summer transfer window, but after that deal fell through, they have been forced to look elsewhere.
Football Insider revealed on 8 November that Everton are alongside a number of Premier League rivals in the race to sign Minnesota United forward Kelvin Yeboah.
The striker's fine form in the MLS has seen numerous clubs register an interest in his signature, including the likes of Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.
Yeboah has scored 18 goals and four assists in 33 MLS appearances for Minnesota this season, placing him firmly on Everton's radar as they assess multiple options.