Everton are intensifying their search for a new striker and have identified Japan international Ayase Ueda as a potential target, according to TEAMtalk. The Merseyside club are looking to add competition for current forward options Thierno Barry and Beto, who have struggled for consistency.
Barry’s future at Goodison Park is already uncertain, with reports from The Times suggesting RB Leipzig are monitoring the 23-year-old. Ueda, 27, currently plays for Feyenoord, where he enjoyed a breakout season in 2025/26, scoring 26 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. He also started in Japan’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands.
Ueda joined Feyenoord from Cercle Brugge in 2023 and is reportedly keen to take the next step in his career, being open to a move to the Premier League. Everton have been extensively scouting the forward in recent months and are considering a bid in the region of £30million. However, they face competition from Tottenham, Leeds and Brighton, who have also been tracking his progress.
Alongside Ueda, Everton retain interest in Chelsea’s Liam Delap, having previously missed out on signing him from Ipswich last summer. Delap scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich in the 2024/25 season but has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, scoring only twice this season. Chelsea are believed to be open to offers for the 23-year-old, though his reported £40million price tag may prove prohibitive for Everton.
Further forward options being considered by David Moyes include West Ham’s Taty Castellanos, who is expected to leave the Hammers following their relegation to the Championship. Castellanos scored seven goals in 22 appearances for West Ham after joining from Lazio in January and could be available for around £17million. Everton are also showing interest in West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and left-back Malick Diouf.
