Expert 'sure' on Everton signing striker amid 'massive' claim
Noel Whelan has insisted he is "sure" Everton will be "working very hard" to secure the signing of a striker during the final days of the window.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted winger Anthony Gordon and veteran Salomon Rondon are not the answer in a striker role.
Speaking to club media before Everton's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday (20 August), manager Frank Lampard confirmed he is looking to "strengthen" the club's striking options before the 1 September deadline.
Rondon led the line for the Toffees at the weekend - but managed just 12 touches before being hooked on 56 minutes.
First-choice hitman Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently sidelined with a knee injury he sustained on the eve of the new season.
Everton have been linked with Che Adams and Neal Maupay as they target a proven Premier League forward in the £15million bracket.
Whelan suggested any new addition must be capable of challenging Calvert-Lewin for a starting berth when he returns.
He told Football Insider's Ewan Kingsbury: “I’m sure Frank is working very hard to get something over the line.
“Rondon played that striker role against Forest, but he’s just not a natural goalscorer any more. You can see that.
“Without a great finish from Demarai Gray, they would have lost that game. They’re crying out for another striker.
“Calvert-Lewin is a massive miss, and they’re playing square pegs in round holes with Gordon filling in too.
“I’m sure they’ll be after someone in this last week to cover for Calvert-Lewin but also improve that strike force even when he has returned.”