More improbable Everton transfer stories surface in international break

With the Premier League still suspended for the Euro qualifiers, Everton are inevitably being linked with more possible summer striker signings.

One of the latest stories include rumours that the Blues’ will compete for yet another centre-forward who is available for free in the summer.

Everton are one of a large number of clubs who are now being linked with France international striker Marcus Thuram.

The son of former Juventus and France star Lilian Thuram, is likely to become a free agent at the end of the current season and will leave his German club Borussia Monchengladbach.

At 25 with twelve goals so far this season and having been an integral part of the France squad that reached the World Cup final last year, Thuram is certain to have plenty of suitors both elsewhere in Europe and in England.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Leicester City and as usual West Ham, are all alledged to have an interest in trying to sign the striker.

On paper he would be just about the ideal sort of forward player that the Toffees’ need to strengthen their chronically failing attack.

Thuram has pace, power and obviously the ability to score goals at the highest level. Of course, given his pedigree the Frenchman is surely certain to go elsewhere rather than Everton.

His name joins another forward who has repeatedly been linked with a move to Merseyside: Moussa Dembele.

The former Celtic striker is also a free agent when the summer transfer window comes round and again he has been regularly claimed to be in the Blues’ sights after January moves for the Lyon forward fell through.

Dembele was one of an almost unlimited number of strikers who were alledgedly being tracked and pursued by the Toffees’ in the New Year window.

He seems a slightly more realistic target although again, given the farcical nature of Everton’s deadline day in January, I’m not that hopeful the club will be any more successful this summer either.

One possible alternative is the Blues’ own young players. Ellis Simms has opened his account with the first-team and Tom Cannon is also continuing to prove his talent for goalscoring while on loan at Preston North End.

While neither is the finished article by any means, and I’m not saying Everton shouldn’t try and add quality forwards in the upcoming window, if one or other, maybe both, can step up it will ease some of the pressure for new signings.