Everton could revisit a move for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee this January, after failing to bring in a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window.
The Toffees attempted to sign AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun on deadline day, and the American even had a medical, but he opted against a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which leaves David Moyes very short on options at striker.
That is because Beto was allowed to leave on deadline day, with the Guinea-Bissau international signing for Fiorentina in a £14.6m deal, to cap off what has been a difficult summer for Moyes.
Beto’s move to Italy was finalised before Moyes managed to get a new striker through the door, meaning there are no senior options to challenge for Thierno Barry’s starting spot.
Iliman Ndiaye was also allowed to depart, with the Senegalese forward joining Manchester City, after Tottenham Hotspur’s deal was hijacked, which meant Richarlison’s proposed return to Merseyside fell through.
|
Richarlison’s career stats |
Appearances |
Goals |
|
Everton |
152 |
53 |
|
Tottenham |
134 |
32 |
|
Fluminense |
67 |
19 |
|
Watford |
41 |
5 |
|
America Futebol Clube |
24 |
9 |
Zirkzee was targeted as an alternative, despite the Dutchman not exactly scoring goals for fun since signing for United, getting on the scoresheet twice in 24 Premier League appearances last season.
A deal was close and the player’s camp were ready to give the green light, but the Red Devils were unwilling to let the centre-forward leave at such a late stage in the window, in what was another blow for Moyes.
The former Bayern Munich striker has been lauded for his “insane” quality by Como scout Ben Mattinson, but he has been unable to make the desired impact at Man United, and he is yet to make an appearance in any competition this season.
The Netherlands international had been open to leaving his current club, amid concerns about a lack of game time, and he may still get the chance to do so in the January transfer window.
Everton could revisit Joshua Zirkzee move in January
Football FanCast sources understand Everton will likely make a fresh attempt to sign Zirkzee this winter, after failing to get a deal done in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
The centre-forward, who earns £105,000-a-week, has found it difficult to force his way into Michael Carrick’s plans, starting just one match since the Englishman replaced Ruben Amorim in January.
As such, United would be willing to consider a January sale, should they manage to get a new striker through the door, in order to provide support for Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
Zirkzee is open to signing for Everton, and that will not change unless he receives more game time between now and January.