Folarin Balogun and Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Hill Dickinson
Folarin Balogun and Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Hill Dickinson
The Toffees understood the importance of signing a striker this summer, but they still failed to do so.
David Moyes was hopeful that Balogun was going to offer him a new centre-forward profile after Beto departed for Fiorentina.
However, a £40million deal for the USA international fell through ahead of the deadline, as an issue with his medical examination prompted the Blues to try and restructure the deal with AS Monaco.
The former Arsenal youngster thought that the Toffees were moving on from him ahead of the deadline, as Angus Kinnear and Co. tried to wrap up deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham, which didn't sit well with the Monaco man.
The truth is that Everton were trying to sign another striker as well as Balogun, who could be reunited with Pochettino in no time.
Why Mauricio Pochettino could have final say in Everton's Folarin Balogun chase
Balogun has left the doors open to join a Premier League side after his move to L3 failed.
The 25-year-old hasn't been in the best form since heading back to France from Finch Farm, with just one goal to his name this season.
Balogun is expected to leave Monaco, as head coach Filipe Luis has essentially frozen him out of the starting eleven.
The forward has been an important player for Pochettino in the USMNT setup, and could be reunited with the former Spurs boss in January.
On page 44 of the Harian Metro's print edition this Saturday, it states that Balogun, who came close to joining Everton on deadline day, is a target to become Pochettino's first signing at Manchester United.
The Red Devils announced this week that the 54-year-old has agreed to become the new head coach at Old Trafford following the dismissal of Michael Carrick.
Balogun is currently away with the USA on international duty and is set to feature in Pochettino's final two games as head coach before reporting for duty with Man United.
But if Balogun were to choose Old Trafford, who could Everton look at instead?
Who Everton have lined up after Balogun failure
It's reported that Balogun has burnt bridges with Everton, so another attempted move to L3 looks unlikely.
However, the Toffees still need to find competition for Thierno Barry in January.
Everton have scouted Club Brugge's Nicolo Tresoldi, with Palmeiras and former Barcelona number nine Victor Roque on their radar, too.
Either striker could cost Everton in excess of £40m, but one of them could be a worthy parting gift from the Friedkin Group ahead of selling the club.