Everton ‘make contact’ with two strikers and register interest in a third, with Dyche transfer priority clear

Everton have made signing a new centre-forward their summer priority after scoring just 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, their lack of a fit, proven goal scorer led to the Toffees coming unbearably close to relegation, for the second consecutive season.

Now, Sean Dyche has identified three strikers he could potentially bring to Everton. But, the manager faces competition for all of the reported targets.

What is clear, though, is that Dyche can’t rely on his current centre-forward options.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled with injuries for two seasons now. Also, Neal Maupay has netted just one goal in 27 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

With that in mind, Dyche and Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell are looking to get their business done as quickly as possible.

Firstly, as reported by our good friends at TEAMtalk, Everton are one of several clubs pushing to sign Moussa Dembele on a free transfer this summer. They have also ‘made contact’ with his entourage.

In 2022/23, Dembele saw his gametime limited due to the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette at Lyon. Overall, in 23 (mostly substitute) Ligue 1 appearances, he scored three goals.

However, you only have to look at his past record to know that the Frenchman can be clinical. In the 2021/22 season, for example, Dembele scored 21 goals in 30 league appearances.

Also, at one of his previous clubs, Celtic, the 26-year-old netted an impressive 51 goals in 94 matches. So, he clearly knows where the net is.

As mentioned, though, Everton face competition for his signature, with Galatasaray and Saudi clubs also in the race.

Another option for Everton is Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden international netted an impressive 21 goals in 2022/23 as he fired the Sky Blues into the Championship playoff spots.

Everton registered an interest in Gyokeres back in January. However, a concrete offer never materialised for the forward.

Now, they have once again shown an interest in signing him. But, just like with Dembele, they face competition.

This is according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, who claim that Gyokeres currently has an ‘offer in hand’ from Everton. Brighton are also interested in re-signing their former player.

But, Sporting Lisbon are currently believed to be leading the race, with A Bola stating that the 25-year-old would prefer to join them over the Premier League duo.

However, there are conflicting reports that suggest otherwise. So, Gyokeres is definitely a player for Evertonians to keep an eye on. As it stands, Coventry are demanding £25m for the Swede.

Finally, Salternitana centre-forward Boulaye Dia has been linked with a move to Everton over the last few days.

The Senegal international scored an impressive 16 goals in 33 games in 2022/23 and almost single-handedly kept Salernitana in the Italian top flight.

As per Corriere dello Sport, Everton are one of several Premier League clubs considering a move for Dia this summer.

The 26-year-old would cost just over £21m due to a release clause in his contract. So, it will be interesting if Everton match that fee.

Dyche clearly wants to sign at least one new striker this summer. So, Dembele, Gyokeres and Dia are three names for Blues fans to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.

READ MORE: Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal on red alert with Everton ‘under pressure’ to sell in-demand £60m talent