Everton have identified Chelsea's Liam Delap, Bologna's Santiago Castro, and AZ Alkmaar's Troy Parrott as potential striker targets ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report from TEAMtalk. The club's recruitment team is preparing to bolster their attacking options following a season of inconsistent output from last summer's signing Thierno Barry.
Manager David Moyes, backed by owners The Friedkin Group, is pushing for a more competitive forward line as Everton look to build on an improved campaign, despite a recent dip in form that has seen them fall to 11th place. The need for reinforcements has been highlighted by Barry's struggles to adapt following his £27 million move from Villarreal, though sources insist the club retains faith in the 23-year-old's long-term potential.
The more immediate solution has been Beto, who has scored five goals in his last six appearances after reclaiming a starting role. However, with ambitions to challenge for European qualification, Everton are seeking further depth and quality. A primary target is Liam Delap, a player they pursued vigorously last summer. Everton were prepared to meet his £30 million release clause at Ipswich Town before he opted for a move to Chelsea.
Delap's time at Stamford Bridge has been underwhelming, with just one Premier League goal from 11 starts this season, casting doubt on his future. Everton remain admirers of his physical style and believe he could thrive in their system, as evidenced by his 12-goal haul for a relegated Ipswich side last term. A move for the 23-year-old Englishman could be resurrected if Chelsea are willing to sell.
Alongside Delap, Everton's shortlist includes Argentine forward Santiago Castro. The 23-year-old has impressed at Bologna, scoring 11 goals across all competitions this season. Reports suggest he could be available for a fee in the region of €40 million, with West Ham United and Nottingham Forest also monitoring his situation. Castro offers a different profile to Delap, relying more on technical ability and movement than outright physicality.
The third name under consideration is Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott. The 24-year-old has rebuilt his career spectacularly in the Netherlands since leaving Tottenham in 2024, scoring 50 goals in 94 appearances for AZ Alkmaar and helping them win the KNVB Cup this season. Parrott, who plays internationally with Everton's Seamus Coleman and Jake O'Brien, is understood to be open to a Premier League return, with several clubs reportedly interested.
Everton's planning indicates a clear intent to provide Moyes with more firepower, regardless of their final league position. The pursuit of multiple targets across different leagues suggests a structured approach to addressing a key area of the squad that has relied heavily on Beto's recent form. The coming months will determine which of these options becomes the club's primary focus as they aim to build a more consistent and potent attack for next season.
