After selling Beto to Fiorentina in the closing stages of the window, Everton believed they’d done good business.
It looked like Folarin Balogun was destined to arrive and no one would have denied just how much the American would have been an upgrade on his predecessor.
In classic deadline day fashion, however, Balogun has since sent the Toffees back to square one after failing his medical. Those in Merseyside have now got a matter of hours to find an alternative or face the risk of handing David Moyes a blunted frontline.
Matters have been made worse by the fact that Iliman Ndiaye is also heading for the exit door. Although his move is yet to be confirmed, a deal worth £65m has been agreed and Jack Grealish is set to arrive in the opposite direction.
Grealish will be a welcomed return, but he will not solve Everton’s striker problem. With Beto set to seal a move away and Balogun seemingly off the table, Moyes will be left with Thierno Barry and Tyrique George if nothing changes.
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Everton’s striker options as things stand |
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Thierno Barry |
Powerful, athletic No.9 who offers physicality, pace and a focal point up front. |
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Tyrique George |
Versatile forward with pace, direct running and the ability to operate from the left. |
This is where Joshua Zirkzee could come in, however. The Dutchman has been on the fringes of Manchester United’s starting side so far this season and it’s no secret that a move away has always been possible.
Several teams in Italy have threatened to swoop in, but it now looks like Everton are attempting to jump ahead of the chasing pack at the death.
Everton launch Zirkzee offer, agreement now close
Indeed, Sky Sports’ Danyal Khan revealed late on Tuesday Everton have launched an offer to sign Zirkzee from Man United in the dying embers of the transfer window. Whilst the Toffees are insisting that they’re still working on a deal for Balogun, there’s no denying that Zirkzee would be an excellent alternative, and Ben Jacobs has since reported a loan agreement is close.
The forward desperately needs a fresh start and Everton would offer him exactly that. After showing glimpses of his quality, especially when dropping deep, Moyes would be well-placed to take Zirkzee to his full potential. Compared to Ronaldinho by former manager Thiago Motta, the Dutchman still has so much to offer.
It remains to be seen just how much Everton’s offer is and how much Man United are demanding, but it should be a move that suits all parties. Zirkzee won’t get the game time he needs at Old Trafford, Everton need a striker and the player himself needs a fresh start.
It would be a late deal, but the Toffees may not have a choice. They need a striker and Balogun could be off the table.