{"id":258131,"date":"2026-08-16T17:40:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T17:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/16\/everton-now-frontrunners-to-sign\/"},"modified":"2026-08-16T17:40:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T17:40:15","slug":"everton-now-frontrunners-to-sign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/16\/everton-now-frontrunners-to-sign\/","title":{"rendered":"Everton now frontrunners to sign"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Everton<\/a> are now leading the race to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, and talks have been held.<\/p>\n

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The Toffees have already made five signings this summer, having mainly focused on improving their options in midfield, with Merlin Rohl, Hayden Hackney, Christian Norgaard, Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George completing moves to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.<\/p>\n

As such, David Moyes<\/a> can now turn his attentions towards strengthening at striker, and Delap could be an exciting option, having been lauded as “sensational” by journalist Jacob Schneider<\/a> during his time with Ipswich Town. <\/p>\n

The 23-year-old netted 12 Premier League<\/a> goals during his debut top flight campaign, three more than Beto managed last season, with the Guinea Bissau international getting on the scoresheet nine times, whereas Thierno Barry only bagged eight. <\/p>\n

However, it would be fair to say the move to Stamford Bridge didn’t exactly pan out the way the Englishman would’ve hoped, as he found the net just once last term, which means Chelsea are now prepared to sanction a departure, amid interest from Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n

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\n Everton leading race to sign Liam Delap<\/strong>
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\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Scott Heppell<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

However, despite the interest from elsewhere, Everton are the frontrunners in the race for Delap’s signature, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they have already held talks regarding a deal.<\/p>\n

Manchester United and Newcastle United have also been contacted about a potential move, but the Toffees remain out in front, although it remains to be seen whether a move will get the green light, as they may have to sell one of their current strikers first.<\/p>\n

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Which striker should Everton sell?<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Beto<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Beto scored one more Premier League goal than Barry last season, despite often being used as a substitute, which meant he featured for just 1,565 minutes across the season. However, an overall record of 25 goals in 111 matches for the Toffees isn’t exactly awe-inspiring, and it would not be the end of the world if he were to be sold this summer.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Thierno Barry<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Barry, on the other hand, may have more re-sell value than Beto, considering he is just 23-years-old. That said, the Frenchman averaged just 0.38 goals per 90 in the Premier League during his debut campaign, while the 10-cap Guinea Bissau international averaged 0.52.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

With both of Everton’s current strikers not exactly setting the world alight, Moyes could definitely do with signing another striker before the September 1st deadline. <\/p>\n