Everton have made contact with Sunderland in an attempt to sign striker Wilson Isidor this month, according to reports.
Toffees boss David Moyes wants to add depth and competition to his strikeforce during the January transfer window.
Beto and Thierno Barry currently share the responsibility in attack, but the duo have scored just six goals between them.
Barry, who scored his fourth of the season in the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, is emerging as Moyes’ first choice to lead the line as he slowly adapts to the rigours of the Premier League.
Everton Enquire About Wilson Isidor
Reports suggest Everton have made contact with their Premier League rivals to assess whether they would be willing to allow Isidor to leave the club this January.
The 25-year-old has featured 19 times in the top flight this season, with 11 of those coming in the starting line-up.
His last start for Sunderland came at the beginning of December, and a minor injury has ruled him out of two of the last three league matches.
Isidor has scored four league goals on Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, with his last coming in a 2-1 victory against Chelsea in October.
Sunderland value their striker at around £25million, which would prove a significant profit on the £3.3m they paid Zenit St Petersburg almost 12 months ago.
He scored 12 goals in the Championship last season, helping fire the Black Cats to an unlikely promotion.
Sunderland may be tempted to cash in, given the competition for places in attack. Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda are both vying to be the club’s main man.
Boss Regis Le Bris has been tight-lipped on any potential incomings, although Matteo Guendouzi rejected a return to the Premier League.
Isidor Speculation Could End En-Nesyri Interest
The decision to enquire about Isidor’s availability could be telling in the latest for striker Youssef En-Nesyri.
Everton had made an offer in the region of £20million for the Fenerbahce frontman, which has been knocked back.
It appears increasingly likely that Everton are planning to move on to other targets, with both Juventus and Napoli showing an interest.
Juventus’ main target was Jean-Philippe Mateta, but they are not willing to match Crystal Palace’s £34.7m price tag, especially as he’ll be entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer.
If Everton do bring in another striker this window, it could also facilitate a transfer away for Beto.
Clubs in Italy and Turkey may make their move, and Moyes would be willing to listen to offers and cut their losses on the Guinea-Bissau international.
