Fresh from his hat-trick to send the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup playoffs, Everton have now reportedly set their sights on signing Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar.
The Toffees are reportedly looking to address their striker problem in the January transfer window after Thierno Barry has failed to hit the ground running. The £27m forward, who became one of Everton’s most expensive signings in the summer, is yet to score a goal for the club and initially struggled for starts in the Premier League this season.
Barry’s disappointing form has coincided with Beto’s own struggles. The towering striker has bettered his teammate’s goal tally, but has still scored just twice in 13 games so far this season.
With two goals between their two forwards, Everton have set their sights on the likes of Daizen Maeda ahead of the winter window. The Celtic forward reportedly wants to leave the Scottish club in January and the Toffees are among the clubs eyeing his signature for just £15m.
At his best, Maeda scored 33 goals in all competitions for Celtic last season and although he is yet to reach those levels in the current campaign, a move away could quickly rediscover his golden touch.
However, he’s not the only name on Everton’s shortlist. Those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium have also reportedly set their sights on Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who’d help their goal problem from midfield. The Scotland star recently scored a stunning overhead kick for his country as they secured World Cup qualification in dramatic fashion.
Everton certainly had an eye on the international drama too, given that they’re now also reportedly targeting a move to sign Parrrott.
Everton plotting Troy Parrott move
As reported by TeamTalk, Friedkin are now plotting a move to sign Parrott, who is a boyhood Everton fan. The Irishman has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring 13 goals in 14 games for AZ Alkmaar and then scoring five goals in two games for Ireland over the November international break.
Three of those five goals came against Hungary as Ireland secured their playoff place at the death, courtesy of their rising star. It’s a performance that will live on in Irish history and one that could help Parrott make his return to the Premier League.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker was rightly at the centre of praise, with former Ireland star Ray Houghton saying: “I understood it, that Troy was a young lad who came through and was going to be a sensational talent, went to Spurs as a kid, made his debut when he was 17 and had so much ahead of him, but it didn’t quite go the way everyone anticipated.
Everton's stance on selling Tim Iroegbunam in January amid David Moyes decision
Moyes has made a key decision on the future of the midfielder.
ByDominic Lund
“He had to reinvent himself as a player, so to see the joy he had playing for his country and doing what he did, hopefully it will inspire the next generation of players.”
Everton applying "strong pressure" to sign £17m+ star who rejected Wolves