Everton plotting a deadline day move for £7.8 million Premier League forward

Everton have less than 48 hours to get transfer and loan deals over the line before the winter transfer window slams shut. The Toffees are trying to add firepower to their attack and West Ham United striker Michail Antonio on their radar since the start of January.

It is no secret that Everton have to sign at least one forward in the winter transfer window or else they will have an even weaker squad than what they had entering the transfer window. Anthony Gordon has left the club, joining Newcastle United for £40 million which means that this money can be reinvested in signing a forward and a wide man.

However, time is running out for Everton to get the deals over the line. Sean Dyche is set to take over the reins at Goodison Park and the Englishman is already working on transfers as EFC prepare for a frantic transfer deadline day.

Dyche will want a robust forward up top who can fit in his typical 4-4-2 formation and a number of names have already been floated. Viktor Gyokeres has been looked at, Che Adams has been linked and even Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a possible target.

Everton plot deadline day move for Michail Antonio

West Ham striker Antonio still remains on Everton’s list. The Hammers signed Danny Ings earlier this month and his arrival has posed questions over Antonio’s inclusion in the team. The player has a contract till the summer of 2024 but could look for greener pastures after the arrival of Ings.

According to The Mirror (print edition 29/01, Page 78), Everton are interested in a deadline day move for the 32 year old who has been struggling for regular football this season. Antonio has netted five goals in 12 starts in all competitions and has largely been an option off the bench for David Moyes’s side.

Everton are West Ham’s direct relegation rivals as the Hammers sit 16th in the table with 18 points. Apart from the Toffees, even Wolves and Nottingham Forest are plotting a move for the Jamaican. Wolves and Everton are in the same boat as goalscoring has been a recurring issue all season and so far no viable solution has been found yet.

Antonio does come with Premier League experience and could handle the pressure of a relegation battle but at 32, he isn’t going to be a long term solution. The Merseysiders should push for a loan deal rather than a permanent move at this point.

Should EFC sign Michail Antonio?