Everton are searching for a brand new striker within the January transfer window, with Manchester United flop Joshua Zirkzee on their radar, in response to reports.
Toffees boss David Moyes has chopped and altered between his two centre-forwards to this point this season, with neither Beto nor Thierno Barry impressing.
Beto has managed two goals in 13 appearances across all competitions, while summer-signing Barry is yet to open his account for the club in 10 outings.
Unsurprisingly, Everton want more firepower and Sky Sports report Zirkzee is ‘high on their list of targets.’
Possibly more attractive for Everton fans is that Ivan Toney can be on the shopping list, with the England international now playing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
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Nonetheless, the 29-year-old is on mammoth wages in Saudi and on a contract which runs until 2028, so a deal could also be tricky to drag off.
A loan deal for Zirkzee could also be a neater move to secure, with the Manchester United striker seemingly out of contention under Ruben Amorim.
The Netherlands international only arrived from Bologna last summer and played 49 times in all competitions last season.
He has fallen down the pecking order for the reason that arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, though, and has made just 4 Premier League appearances this season, all from the bench.
His five outings in all competitions this campaign have yielded no goals.
Joshua Zirkzee Premier League stats
Apps: 36
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
The Dutchman is reportedly keen to depart on loan and get more playing time within the hope of constructing Netherlands’ World Cup squad next summer.
Roma have also been linked with a loan offer for him, with West Ham also reportedly interested and he’s open to a move back to Italy or a stay within the Premier League.
An exit was brought into some doubt after a knee injury suffered by Sesko on the weekend, however the BBC report that the issue is just not believed to be serious.
Ruben Amorim did suggest players were unlikely to depart in January, as when he was asked in regards to the futures of Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo last month, he said: ‘That’s normal, and I also know that in our club, every part is loads of noise, and you have got to have news, and players should not playing. They wish to play.
‘Such as you said, there’s a World Cup. There are agents that hearken to the players talking on a regular basis. So, I understand that but they’re our players, and we want everyone to have a great season.’
The Sky Sports report on Everton’s striker search also mentions Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus as a player they’re keen on.
The Brazilian has been out of motion on account of a serious knee injury since January but is nearing a return as he’s now back in training.
Nonetheless, Arsenal should not excited by letting him go, with Mikel Arteta welcoming more options up front as they challenge on multiple fronts this season.
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