Everton are considering a move for free-agent striker Jamie Vardy as David Moyes attempts to address a major shortage of attacking options following the collapse of their deadline-day transfer plans.
The 39-year-old is available after leaving Italian side Cremonese and could still be registered outside the summer window because he is not currently contracted to a club. The potential move was first reported by The Sun.
Everton were left with only one recognised senior centre-forward after selling Beto to Fiorentina and failing to complete a deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. A late approach for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee also came to nothing. ([skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/13580201/folarin-balogun-monaco-strikers-move-to-everton-falls-through-after-deal-scuppered-chelseas-chances-of-signing-lamine-camara?utm_source=openai))
Everton consider Jamie Vardy move after striker crisis
Balogun had travelled to Merseyside for a medical after Everton agreed a deal worth about £40 million with Monaco. However, concerns emerged during the process before the player ultimately decided against the transfer.
Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro said Balogun was unhappy with the way questions about his health had been handled during the medical. Everton were unable to revive the move despite submitting a deal sheet in an effort to complete the transfer after the formal deadline. ([irishexaminer.com](https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41905954.html?utm_source=openai))
The failed negotiations left Thierno Barry as Moyes’s only recognised senior striker, placing added pressure on the club to explore the free-agent market before the campaign develops further.
Vardy would offer vast Premier League experience should Everton decide to pursue the opportunity. He scored 145 goals in 342 appearances in the competition for Leicester City, according to Premier League records. ([premierleague.com](https://www.premierleague.com/players/8979/Oliver-Skipp/stats?utm_source=openai))
The former England international was central to Leicester’s remarkable title success in 2015-16 and won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019-20. His pace and direct style made him one of the division’s most effective forwards during his 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium.
Any agreement would represent a short-term solution rather than a long-term replacement for Balogun, but Vardy’s experience could provide Everton with an established option while the club waits for the transfer window to reopen in January.
