Everton accelerate striker signing plan as 'concerns' over duo grow

Everton boss David Moyes remains keen to add another striker to his squad this summer amid concerns over Thierno Barry and Beto, sources have told Football Insider.

Barry was the Toffees' sole striker signing last summer as he arrived for £27million from Villarreal.

The 23-year-old bagged eight times in 38 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign on Merseyside and largely flattered to deceive.

Beto scored nine goals in 37 league games as he battled the French striker for game time, but Moyes has made his plans clear this summer.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Toffees manager is prioritising a move for a new striker to add more firepower to his ranks for next season.

Everton were in European contention for the majority of last term before some poor form eventually saw them finish 13th in the top flight.

Their board believe that a new striker, alongside several high-profile signings, could catapult the club to success next season.

Everton set to sign a new striker after Thierno Barry and Beto struggles

Barry did not score in any of his first 16 Everton appearances, while the goals dried up for Beto between September and January as he failed to find the net in 17 matches.

Neither striker looks likely to be the answer to the Toffees' goalscoring woes, hence why Moyes is keen to sign more competition this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "We know that Everton are looking to strengthen their attacking options for next season as well. They’re still not 100 per cent sure on Thierno Barry and Beto as their number nines.

"That is a top priority for Everton, and I would fully expect them to sign a new striker this summer."

Everton keen on Ayase Ueda after World Cup exploits

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Everton are frontrunners to sign Feyenoord striker Ueda as it stands.

The 27-year-old ended last season as the Eredivisie's top scorer with 25 goals in 31 league games.

He continued to show some fine form at the World Cup with Japan, with a brace and an assist in their 4-0 group stage win over Tunisia.

Leeds have also been linked to his services, but Everton are likely to offer a better guarantee of game time to Ueda next season.