The transfer window may have just shut, but Fulham are already trying to get an edge on Everton ahead of the summer.
Premier League clubs did not do a lot of business in this year’s winter window and Everton were no different.
David Moyes had to wait right until the final moments to see his only signing of the market confirmed on Merseyside.
Despite being linked with a number of players, Everton decided to wait until the summer for a striker signing.
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However, there may be one striker target who could be off the radar by the time the summer comes around as Fulham are already lining up a deal.
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Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Fulham aiming to beat Everton to Ricardo Pepi
Everton showed an interest in Ricardo Pepi over the winter window as his future with PSV Eindhoven came under real speculation.
It was not until deadline day that it was decided he would remain in the Netherlands.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham are now looking to pick up their negotiations to agree a deal ahead of the summer.
Everton are interested in PSV striker Ricardo Pepi, would he replace Thierno Barry straight away? 👀
PSV striker Ricardo Pepi.
It is claimed the Fulham management are already locked in talks with both Pepi and PSV to strike the deal.
The Cottagers want this deal wrapped up as early as possible.
Fulham had a bid of around £26m rejected over recent weeks for the American striker, which goes to show roughly how much it will take to secure his services.
Reports have suggested that PSV value Pepi in the region of £35m.
For Everton, their squad is now set for the remainder of the season and Moyes will be hoping his strikers repay his faith in them.
Everton have placed a lot of faith in Thierno Barry and Beto
On paper, the recent weeks have been fairly positive for Everton’s two strikers, with some goals being scored by the pair.
Some of their individual performances may not have passed the eye test, but goals is the only thing that matters for a striker.
A lot of clubs showed an interest in Beto over the winter window as Moyes decided he should remain for at least the remainder of the season.
Barry is still the starting striker on Merseyside, but the recent game against Brighton & Hove Albion shows that Beto is still pushing him from the bench.
Perhaps Moyes finally has the healthy competition up front he’d been wishing for all season.
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