By Wayne Veysey

4th Feb, 2023 | 6:00pm

Sources: Everton keep tabs on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Chelsea axe

Everton are eyeing a potential out-of-window move for Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, sources have told Football Insider.

The Merseysiders are keen to sign a free agent forward after losing out on multiple attacker signings in January.

Aubameyang, 33, has emerged on to Everton’s radar after he was surprisingly axed from Chelsea’s new-look 25-man Champions League squad on Friday.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona star was was left out of their matchday squad for Friday’s 0-0 Premier League draw with Fulham, despite being fit and available for selection.

That has opened the door to the possibility that Aubameyang could look to terminate his Chelsea contract, which has another 18 months to run.

It would require the London giants paying off the remainder of the lucrative deal and leaving him a free agent able to secure a transfer out of the window.

Graham Potter insisted on Friday that “Pierre’s just unfortunate and he will be fighting for his place for the rest of the season”.

He also said of Aubameyang’s demotion that “he has handled it very well and trained today fantastically which is what I’d expect”.

However, Chelsea may be open to cutting their ties to a big-name star who has scored just one Premier League goal this season and who’s presence could be regarded as disruptive if he’s not playing.

Everton suffered a wretched January as attempts to bolster their attack all failed despite the initial £40m received from Newcastle for Anthony Gordon.

The Merseysiders lost out to Southampton for £22million Kamaldeen Sulemana, had an offer rejected for Udinese forward Beto and loan offers for Anthony Elanga, Olivier Giroud and Ismaila Sarr were knocked back.

In other news, ‘Man City could sign Chilwell after unexpected deal agreed’.