Everton handed ‘outside chance’ of signing big name striker on free transfer

Everton have turned towards the free agent market after missing out on a striker before the deadline.

David Moyes has only Thierno Barry available as a natural centre forward after Beto joined Fiorentina without a replacement arriving.

A move for Folarin Balogun collapsed following an issue during his medical, while Man United blocked a late loan approach for Joshua Zirkzee after refusing to weaken their squad.

Moyes has now confirmed that work is continuing despite the window closing.

That search has produced two familiar Premier League names.

Jamie Vardy is reportedly under consideration after leaving Cremonese. He turns 40 in January, but his movement and experience could still offer a useful short-term solution.

Anthony Martial has also been offered to the Toffees, with the former United forward available after leaving Monterrey and open to returning to England.

Both carry risks. Vardy’s age would have to be managed carefully, while Martial has battled injuries and poor form since leaving Old Trafford.

Everton therefore need to decide whether either player can support Barry immediately, rather than simply adding another body to a squad Moyes has described as “really small”.

A more dramatic possibility could now be developing in north London.

Everton handed ‘outside chance’ of free Richarlison deal

Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

TalkSPORT reports that Tottenham may consider terminating Richarlison’s contract by mutual agreement if his proposed move to Trabzonspor cannot be done.

The big name Brazilian has been omitted from Spurs’ Premier League squad after making clear that he wanted to leave.

Roberto De Zerbi said Richarlison informed him of that desire during pre-season and has defended the decision to move forward without him.

Trabzonspor have agreed personal terms with the attacker, but negotiations with Tottenham over a fee have proved difficult. Spurs reportedly want more than the £15 million offered by the Turkish club.

A return to Everton had already been explored before the English deadline. Tottenham were said to have discussed a deal worth £35m with the Toffees, but Richarlison did not agree terms and the move collapsed.

Should Spurs tear up the remaining guaranteed year of his contract, he would become available outside the window. That would create an unexpected opportunity for clubs searching for a striker, with Everton among the most obvious possible destinations.

Richarlison understands the club, the supporters and the demands surrounding Everton. He can operate through the middle or from the left and would bring much-needed aggression to an attack short of depth.

However, contract termination remains an ‘outside chance’, according to Ben Jacobs in the report. Tottenham would be surrendering a potential transfer fee, while Richarlison and the club would need to agree the financial terms of his departure.

The likes of Vardy are available now, and Moyes needs support for Barry quickly.

But if the situation at Spurs reaches the point of no return, an emotional Richarlison reunion could suddenly become possible without Everton paying any transfer fee.