It's been a busy period for Everton, with the transfer window still in full flight and the search for a striker continuing.
The Blues need cover for at least six weeks with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin again sidelined with injury, and there have been moves in the market, with several forwards under the spotlight. Indeed, Frank Lampard is expected to be busy before the window slams shut on September 1, with the Toffees boss keen to bolster his injury-hit squad.
Here, Mirror Football looks at the likely candidates, and runs the rule over names that have been thrown up in the feeding frenzy of the August window...
Name: Serhou Guirassy
Club: Rennes
Age: 26
Guirassy is a solid striker operating in France’s Ligue 1, and at 26 has progressed to become, if hardly a hot property, then at least a forward with a reasonable goals record. Has played for France U20, but now a Guinea international, it has been reported in the French media that the Blues have had a proposal of a loan deal with a view to buying turned down by his club Rennes, who will only consider a sale.
Verdict: He’s on Everton ’s list, but finances mean any fee up front may be a problem, so lower down as they look closer to home.
Name: Ludovic Ajorque
Club: RC Strasbourg
Age: 28
Another Ligue 1 player, this time with Strasbourg, and another with a relatively undistinguished cv. But he’s 6ft 6in, and seen as a target man for others to play off, which may appeal. Widespread sources claim his club want at least £18m with Bundesliga interest.
Verdict: Fee probably rules out Everton, who want a loan deal.
Name: Viktor Gyokeres
Club: Coventry
Age: 24
Interesting one. The striker scored 23 goals for Coventry last season, which catapulted him into the Sweden side at international level. A good Championship prospect, but his manager said the connection with Everton is “idiots talking rubbish”, and there has been no contact.
Verdict: It seems like Frank Lampard wants a striker with English football experience, to provide an instant option, but the Championship is still a gamble. A good prospect though, and will move if the price is right this summer. Whether Everton would want to meet that price is a different matter.
Name: Che Adams
Club: Southampton
Age: 26
Again, widespread reporting about a possible Everton link, and this time closer to home, with the Southampton local press suggesting an inquiry has been made. Saints are looking for a sale though, for a striker who hasn’t been prolific in front of goal, where the Blues’ spending suggest they need an initial loan deal.
Verdict: One to watch. Everton are looking at domestic league players who can go straight into the team to cover for Calvert-Lewin, but would want at least a loan with an option to buy. Saints adamant they need to sell.
