Everton are considering emergency free-agent moves for Jamie Vardy and Anthony Martial after a chaotic transfer deadline day left them short of attacking options.
The Toffees endured a dismal end to the summer window under David Moyes, having sold Beto to Fiorentina. A late move for Monaco's Folarin Balogun fell through at the last minute, while a deal for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee also failed to materialise. Iliman Ndiaye was sold to Manchester City.
That leaves Everton with Thierno Barry as their only central attacking option. According to The Sun, the Merseyside club are now considering a move for Vardy, who has been without a club since leaving Italian side Cremonese in the summer.
Vardy's record and free-agent status
The veteran forward, now 39, scored seven goals in 29 appearances in Serie A following a glittering spell with Leicester. He netted 200 goals in 500 outings for the Foxes, helping them to the Premier League, FA Cup and three seasons in Europe.
Vardy has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, with Wrexham, West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday all mentioned as potential destinations.
Martial also offered to Everton
Vardy is not the only free agent being considered by Everton after deadline day. talkSPORT have reported that they have also been offered the services of former Manchester United star Anthony Martial.
The French forward is currently without a club following a brief spell with Mexican side Monterrey. He has also played for Greek side AEK Athens following his exit from Old Trafford.
Moyes on the window
Speaking about Everton's disappointing window, boss David Moyes said: “I don’t do the financials here, it’s not me who does it. But I think what you’re saying is right, I think we were looking to get some money in and ultimately those things were getting talked about.”
“We lost Illy (Iliman Ndiaye), someone we definitely didn’t want to lose. But sometimes it’s quite difficult when the likes of Man City come along looking for your players. I’ve lost Wayne Rooney to Manchester United, I’ve lost Joleon Lescott and Jack Rodwell to Man City over the years. On this occasion unfortunately we lost Illy and we didn’t want to lose Illy because we liked Illy a lot.”
Asked why Balogun's move did not happen in the end, he replied: “It wasn’t anybody’s fault. It happens in football a lot. The player had a problem in his medical and that was simply it. There’s no other story behind it.”
