Everton want to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window, and the Friedkin group are now lining up a move for AZ Alkmaar star Troy Parrott.
Thierno Barry struggling to force his way into David Moyes' plans
Thierno Barry is the Toffees eighth-most expensive signing of all time, having been signed from Villarreal for £27m last summer, but it has been far from an ideal debut campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the Frenchman.
Barry has fallen down the pecking order since the end of February, being used as a substitute by David Moyes in the last six Premier League matches, with Beto getting the nod at centre-forward instead.
Although Moyes' side were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, Beto got on the scoresheet for the fourth time in his last three matches, which suggests Barry could have his work cut out forcing his way back into the starting XI for the remaining five matches.
Barry
However, the 28-year-old had scored just four Premier League goals all season prior to his recent purple patch, indicating Moyes may need to bring in a more consistent striker in the summer transfer window.
Parrott would fit the bill, having scored a whopping 30 goals in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar this season, while also making headlines for national side Ireland.
Troy Parrot's goalscoring record Appearances Goals
Eredivisie 25 15
Conference League qualifiers 10 3
Conference League 5 7
KNVB Beker 5 5
Indeed, the 24-year-old became a national hero after scoring a hat-trick against Hungary to secure Ireland a place in the semi-final of the World Cup qualifiers.
Interestingly, Everton are now lining up a summer move for Parrott, according to a report from TEAMtalk, and they could have an advantage in the race for the Ireland international's signature, as he is believed to have been a boyhood Toffees fan.
Although the former Tottenham Hotspur man has been playing in the Eredivisie, he has been far more impressive in the league this season than Barry, which suggests he could be an upgrade.
Troy Parrott's Eredivisie stats
troy-parrott-ireland
Parrott has been a key player for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, and he is the league's joint-second top scorer, although he could have far more goals to his name, having missed 22 big chances.
1,989 minutes played
0.68 goals per 90
3 assists
22 chances created
1.9 shots on target per 90
Thierno Barry's Premier League stats
Thierno Barry
Barry, on the other hand, has averaged fewer than half the number of goals per 90 than the AZ Alkmaar star, and he has struggled to craft opportunities for his teammates.
1,678 minutes played
0.32 goals per 90
0 assists
10 chances created
0.5 shots on target per 90
Everton manager David Moyes Related
Everton now leading race to sign midfield star after completing in-person checks
He looks destined for the Premier League...