A "sensational" former Preston North End striker has now emerged as Everton's top target for the summer transfer window, with David Moyes a big fan.
Toffees eyeing new striker despite Barry's improved form
Thierno Barry made a slow start to life on Merseyside, failing to score in his opening 14 Premier League games, but the Frenchman has started to find his feet, netting five goals from the beginning of December until the end of January.
Speaking after scoring in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, the 23-year-old admitted he needs time to get used to English football, saying: "It is difficult to play against the best defenders in the world and I just need to adapt.
"It is more physical here. I am tall but I am not big so I need to work on my body to know how to use it to protect the ball."
It is encouraging the centre-forward has started improving, but fellow striker Beto has struggled throughout his career with the Toffees, netting just 19 goals in 100 games.
As such, bringing in a new striker is on the agenda for Everton in the summer, and a report from Football Insider has now revealed Chelsea's Liam Delap has emerged as a top target, with the Blues looking to recoup the £30m they paid Ipswich Town last year.
Delap has failed to make the desired impact at Stamford Bridge, meaning Liam Rosenior's side are now willing to sanction a departure, and there is a feeling his height and physical attributes could make him an ideal fit in a Moyes system.
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The report also confirms the Toffees may look to replace Beto in the summer, and there is every indication the former Preston striker would be a real upgrade...
Everton move could be perfect for "sensational" Delap
Unlike Beto, the 23-year-old has exhibited some promising signs in the Premier League, netting 12 goals in 37 matches for Ipswich Town last season, which is a solid return, considering the Tractor Boys went down without putting up much of a fight.
Lauded as "sensational" by writer Jacob Schneider, the Englishman has also impressed at times since signing for Chelsea, grabbing three assists in two FA Cup outings, and scoring his first Champions League goal against Barcelona back in November.
According to Jamie Carragher, the move to Stamford Bridge came too early in the centre-forward's career, with the former Liverpool man saying: "I just think young players, when they’re on a journey and getting better, the jump from Ipswich and Chelsea was too big, he needed somewhere in the middle.
"Somewhere like Everton. If you play centre forward for Everton and play every game and know even if you have a few bad games you’re still going to play."
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The Toffees are still eyeing an attacking reinforcement.
Indeed, being in and out of the starting XI at this stage of his career is no good for Delap, and Everton could be the perfect move, given that Beto and Barry may not be difficult to keep out of the team.