Everton lose out free agent battle as player on his way to Premier League rivals

Everton can’t catch a break. Firstly, they failed to sign a single player in the winter transfer window despite having multiple targets on the shortlist. Now, the Toffees seem to have lost the race to sign free agent Andre Ayew.

Since the start of the winter transfer window, EFC had been linked to at least a dozen of strikers as the Toffees were in desperate need to bolster the attack. The departure of Anthony Gordon has further weakened the attack, leaving Toffees with just two fit wingers.

The Merseysiders tried various operations on transfer deadline day, trying to sign Paul Onauchu, Olivier Giroud, Iliman Ndiaye, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ismaila Sarr. However, not a single pursuit was successful. Sulemana chose to go to Southampton, and Onuachu followed him. Watford rejected a loan with an obligation to buy offer for Sarr. Giroud also rejected a loan deal as he didn’t want to return to England and get into a relegation scrap. Sheffield United also rejected a £25 million bid for Ndiaye, leaving Toffees empty handed.

Despite the transfer window shutting, EFC are still capable of signing free agents from the free agent market. Everton could make use of certain players available in the market. They won’t be eye-stealing signings but something is better than nothing and Everton need players for the survival battle.

Everton lose Andre Ayew battle to Nottingham Forest

Ghana captain Ayew was touted as a target for the Toffees on transfer deadline day too. The 33 year old became a free agent after terminating his contract with Qatari club Al Sadd. After getting £2.5 million compensation, the 33 year old has jetted to London to discuss a potential move as Everton and Nottingham Forest were interested in his services.

Everton have held preliminary talks with Ayew and so far nothing is guaranteed. However, as per reports emerging from Ghana, Everton might have lost this free agent battle too. According to Ghanian broadcasters Metropolitan Television, Ayew is on his way to Nottingham Forest as player is getting ready for his medicals before signing a deal with Forest.

Even though Ayew wouldn’t have been a headline grabbing name, the Toffees needed a striker in their ranks. Sean Dyche is likely to go with a 4-4-2 formation and just has Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms as striking options.

Dyche’s job has now got tougher than ever as he tries to guide Everton to safety, which looks like an impossible task right now.

Should Everton have made a bigger push to sign Andre Ayew?