Everton have been linked with free agent Andre Ayew as reports suggest they look to seal a deal following the closure of the January transfer window.
Sean Dyche was appointed on the eve of deadline day, succeeding Frank Lampard following his sacking. However, despite the sale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United, there wasn't any new arrivals at Goodison Park.
Questions have emerged following the lack of activity last month and the Blues sit just above the foot of the Premier League table but remain two points from safety. Due to the Ghanian being a free agent, the new Blues boss can still welcome new faces as his first signings because they are out of contract.
READ MORE: Everton players will dread infamous Sean Dyche training day with balls banned
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher doubles down on 'worst run club' claim with brutal message to Everton board members
Ayew has played against Everton six times, scoring and assisting once as he won once during their encounters. He claimed a win against the Blues scoring the winner for Swansea City in a 2-1 triumph in the 2015-16 season.
Who is Andre Ayew?
Andre Ayew is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward. He boasts the likes of Marseille, Swansea City and West Ham United as his former clubs. He is currently a free agent following the termination of his contact at Qatari Super League side Al Sadd.
He is currently the captain of the Ghana national team making 113 appearances, scoring 24 goals since his debut in 2007 - playing in three of the last four World Cups.
He is the second-born son of three-time African Footballer of the Year and Abedi "Pele" Ayew and has two brothers, Ibrahim Ayew - who plays for FC Bruno's Magpies - and Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew.
His professional career started out in Ligue 1 with Marseille where he made 160 Ligue 1 appearances, notching 44 goals and won two Coupe de la Ligue's and Trophee Des Champions.
A move to the Premier League followed in 2015 when he completed a switch to Swansea. He was signed by manager Garry Monk and spent just one season there before joining the Hammers.
His stint in east London lasted two seasons before he returned to south Wales where he enjoyed three years - two of which were in the Championship following the Swans' relegation.
Al Sadd came calling in 2021 where Ayew made 39 appearances, scoring 21. He tasted success in the Qatar Stars League and the Emir of Qatar Cup.
Why is Andre Ayew a free agent?
Ayew is a free agent after his contract with Al Sadd was terminated. He had six months remaining on his time in the Middle East.
However in January, they released a statement on Twitter. It read: "OFFICIAL: Al-Sadd SC has reached an agreement with Andre Ayew to terminate his contract with the club by mutual consent. Thank you Andre."
What is Andre Ayew like as a player?
Slaven Bilic, who brought the Ghanian to West Ham, lauded Ayew. He said: "He adds more quality.
"We had a really good season. Some people say it was unbelievable, most say it was a really, really good one.
"So we didn't have the need to start from the bottom and change all the players although in football you are always trying to improve your team - and there are no yesterdays in football.
"He came to England and did a really good job. He scored 12 goals and played in different positions. He can be a game changer."
Andre Ayew to Everton: What has been said?
Reports today from Sky Sports indicate Everton will have significant competition for Ayew's signature - with suggestions Nottingham Forest are in 'advanced talks' to seal a short-term deal.
In a report from The Times (February 1), it was claimed Everton's attention had turned to free agents as Ayew and Isco were reportedly 'under consideration'.
The article said: "There was interest in a loan move for Anthony Elanga at Manchester United, although it was suggested over the weekend that had no chance of happening. Plates which had been spinning crashed to the floor.
"Now the attention will turn to free agents, with Andre Ayew and Isco, who saw a move to Union Berlin collapse, under consideration."
Further details emerged from the Daily Mail (February 1) which suggested that he was set to fly to the United Kingdom with the Blues 'looking to complete a free transfer'.
The article read: "Andre Ayew is expected to arrive in England in the next 24 hours after receiving a £2.5million golden handshake freeing him to return to the Premier League.
"However, there are no guarantees that the former Swansea and West Ham star will - as expected - join Everton with rival top-flight clubs having registered an interest. Ayew’s expected switch to Everton is currently rated at 50/50.
"The Toffees are underfire from supporters after a botched transfer deadline day that saw them miss out on a number of targets as the relegation threatened club finished with no new signings during the January window."
READ NEXT
- Everton Fan Advisory Board calls for 'explanation' after January transfer failures
Jamie Carragher demands 'explanation' from Everton board after disastrous transfer window
Sean Dyche has three 'wildcard' options for Everton attack after January transfer blank
Andre Ayew to Everton latest as forward 'flying to UK' ahead of potential free transfer
Full list of signings made by Everton rivals in January transfer window
