While they have a strong defence, Everton have been struggling for far too long for a reliable and top-quality goal-scorer, with none of the current incumbents genuinely convincing they can do the job.
Current first-team choices Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto have failed to provide the kind of goal threat that the Toffees need.
And, while Beto has been David Moyes' first choice since he returned to Merseyside, Calvert-Lewin is very likely to leave in a few days when his contract expires, leaving Everton further short on numbers as well.
After losing out on Ipswich's Liam Delap earlier in the transfer window, the Blues have been forced to switch their attention to other targets.
So, Thierno Barry's name then emerged (along with several others), with Everton soon linked with a summer move for the young French striker.
Certainly, he offers a goal threat and netted eleven times last season, not an outstanding total but one that indicates his ability in a first-class league, especially given his youth.
It has been reported over the last few weeks and again today that the Toffees have made contact with the Spanish side to explore the possibility of doing a deal.
He has a £35 million release clause in his contract, which, in theory, needs to be triggered before a transfer can be done. Everton, it is claimed, are hoping to drive this fee downwards.
Villarreal are in a strong position over this, though, as it is believed that there are other clubs in the race for one of Europe's most talented young forwards.
Barry and France are currently facing an Under-21s semi-final against Germany, who include another alleged Blues striker target, Nick Woltemade, in their ranks, and will then face England if they progress to the final.
Once that tournament and the month of June are over, things might well begin to move much more quickly, and we may see a move finally happening.
What is certain is that time is ticking along and Everton need to focus on the player they want, pull out all the stops, and get a deal done as soon as possible before others move in and they face an even longer drawn-out search for the striker they need.