David Moyes ally suggests Everton could make Folarin Balogun move as priority revealed
Everton are among a number of long-term admirers of Monaco striker Folarin Balogun who could reignite their interest after the World Cup.
The 24-year-old snubbed interest from Premier League clubs in favour of a move to Ligue 1 in 2023, and has since scored 31 goals in 91 games for the French club.
However, his opening-game performance for the USA against Paraguay, in which he scored two goals, has placed him firmly on the radar of his long-term admirers.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who has a longstanding connection with David Moyes, told Football Insider that Everton, who are keen to sign a new striker, could now revisit a move for Balogun.
The Toffees are believed to have been keeping tabs on his progress since his move to Monaco, and his performance on the biggest stage has reaffirmed their admiration.
Should the opportunity to sign the former Arsenal striker emerge this summer, with just two years remaining on his contract at Monaco, Everton could make a move.
Have Everton previously considered a move for Folarin Balogun?
Football Insider revealed in 2023 that Everton were among Balogun's numberous big-name suitors as he edged closer to a move away from Arsenal.
The likes of Crystal Palace, Brentford and Wolves were also linked with the striker two years ago, while AC Milan were among his high-profile suitors, before he chose Monaco.
It has been suggested that Balogun could now be tempted to return to the Premier League after two seasons in France, with Everton one of those keen.
"It's important for these clubs not to get sucked in based on his World Cup performances," Brown told Football Insider.
"But for somebody like Balogun, who there has been interest in for a long time now, his performances for the USA will either confirm the positives or raise new negatives.
"After that first game, where he scored two goals, I'm sure some of his long-term admirers will be sitting up and taking interest.
"There were a number of Premier League clubs who wanted to sign him from Arsenal, including Everton, who have been keeping tabs on him since his move to Monaco.
"So for Everton, his performances at the World Cup might show that he could be the man they want to solve their striker problems.
"It's a position that David Moyes wants to strengthen in, so if there's any indication he could be lured to the Premier League, they could well make a move for him."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Balogun?
Everton are far from the only club keeping tabs on Balogun's performances at the World Cup, with numerous admiers from across Europe sitting up and taking notice.
Alongside his long-term Premier League admirers, he has also been the subject of interest from new clubs looking to land a new striker this summer.
Football Insider reported on 13 June that Balogun's performances have impressed Newcastle United, who are keeping a close eye on his performances in the USA.
The Magpies are aiming to sign a new striker this summer amid ongoing concerns about the performances of Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.
Both of last summer's big-money signings have been linked with moves away, and should either be allowed to move on, Balogun could be seen as the ideal replacement.