Everton join the race to sign “phenomenal” 15-goal striker who’s impressed Duncan Ferguson

Everton have now entered the race to sign a “phenomenal” striker, who could rival Thierno Barry for a place in the starting XI.

After a mixed first campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Barry has kicked on this season, picking up six goals and one assist in the Premier League, but Gary Lineker has made it clear the Frenchman needs to improve his finishing.

The former striker said: “A word on Thierno Barry. He’s quite interesting because he’s got a higher xG than Erling Haaland. That tells you a couple of things. First, he needs to improve his finishing, which maybe now with two goals he is; secondly, his movement is clearly exceptional and he’s getting into positions to score.

REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

“Down the line, because he’s still a young man, it’s easier to improve your finishing than the natural talent of finding positions to score goals.”

Indeed, while the 24-year-old has clearly managed to get in the right positions, he hasn’t scored as many goals as he should, having missed a staggering number of big chances in the Premier League.

Moreover, David Moyes is in dire need of back-up in forward areas, after losing Beto to Fiorentina on transfer deadline day, and an in-form striker has now been identified as a target.

Everton enter the race to sign Will Lankshear

Action Images/John Clifton

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton have now joined the race for Middlesbrough star Will Lankshear, off the back of the former Tottenham Hotspur man’s impressive performances in the Championship this season.

A whole host of Premier League clubs have now emerged as potential suitors for the 21-year-old, but Boro are hesitant to let him leave in the January transfer window, as he could play a key role in their push for promotion to the Premier League.

The starlet has certainly started the campaign in fantastic fashion, scoring 13 goals in as many matches in the Championship, and he has caught the attention of Duncan Ferguson.

The ex-Toffees striker said: “What’s his name? Lankshear. Right, Lankshear, right. So, just going to somebody there. He’s banging goals in there. So, you would want him to move on up to… I don’t know what I’m trying to say. Maybe Everton can sign him. Keep an eye on the boy at Middlesbrough, you know what I mean? He’s banging a lot of goals in there.”

Having also been described as “phenomenal” by striker coach Scott Chickelday, Lankshear could be exactly what Moyes needs, and the fact he is still only 21-years-old is an added bonus.