David Moyes on the sidelines at Everton, with Thierno Barry in a circular inset
David Moyes on the sidelines at Everton, with Thierno Barry in a circular inset
Everton are working to identify a number of strikers who could be available to move permanently or on loan in the January window.
After the sale of Beto late in the summer transfer window, David Moyes has been left majorly short of attacking depth, and he is determined to improve in the position.
That is despite the early-season form of Thierno Barry, the club's only out-and-out striker option, who has scored ten goals in 13 appearances across all competitons so far.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Barry's form has not impacted Everton's transfer plans, with "top-class" strikers still on their radar.
Regardless of Barry's form, which has shown he can be relied upon to lead the line, there is a feeling he will need support as Moyes looks to rotate later in the season.
Work has been ongoing since the summer transfer window, where they failed to complete the signing of Monaco's Folarin Balogun after a late deal fell through.
Will Everton sign a new striker in January?
Football Insider revealed on 5 November that Everton are prioritising the addition of a new striker in an attempt to back Moyes and help him achieve success this season.
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.
As a result, work is being done to identify a top-class option, with Moyes determined to ensure he goes into the second half of the season with a well-stocked squad.
"There's no debating the fact Everton still need to sign another striker," Brown told Football Insider.
"As a Premier League club, you can't spend the whole season with only one player in any position, let alone such an important role as the striker, because so much could go wrong.
"The ideal situation for any club is to have two players capable of playing first-team football in every position, and while that might not be possible, it is in certain areas.
"Everton are looking to find a top-class striker, and of course they're not the only ones, half the league are going to be after a striker of that quality.
"But Everton are determined to get a deal done, they want to support Moyes, and he believes signing another striker could be the difference between a good and a great season.
"So I'm sure there are a few options already on their radar, and Everton will be prepared to strengthen up front in January."
How do Everton feel about Thierno Barry's role?
Despite Barry's strong start to the new season, there are still some concerns about whether he can be relied upon to lead the line and as a consistent source of goals.
Brown told Football Insider on 10 November that Everton have lingering concerns about Barry's ability, and are not convinced he can lead the line consistently without support.
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.