Everton make new striker plan after 'surprise' Anthony Martial twist

Everton are not planning to sign a new striker on a free transfer and will instead assess their options in the January transfer window.

That is despite concerns about Thierno Barry being the only senior striker in David Moyes' squad, with the club having failed to land a striker during the summer window.

Regardless of the 23-year-old's solid start to the new campaign, Everton have been linked with free agents including Mauro Icardi and Anthony Martial to bolster their front line.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are prepared to bide their time with makeshift replacements and will not move for Martial.

While the former Man United forward has obvious talent, questions have always been asked about his work rate and commitment, which remain a concern even now.

Meanwhile, having most recently represented Mexican outfit Monterrey, there are doubts about whether the 30-year-old would still be capable of having an impact in the Premier League.

Could Everton sign a free agent striker?

Football Insider revealed on 14 September that Everton are unlikely to pursue a move for a free agent striker unless they suffer further issues with their squad depth.

Sources say that Moyes' stance will only change if the chance arises to bring in a player who is already "up to speed" in terms of fitness, unlike the names mentioned.

Any move for Icardi or Martial has been ruled out as a result, and Everton are prepared to wait rather than force through a move for a player who doesn't fit their style.

"I'm told Everton are prepared to wait it out until the January transfer window," Brown told Football Insider.

"I would be especially surprised if they made a move for Anthony Martial, because I don't see how he would make much of a difference to Everton in his current state.

"He's been playing out in Mexico most recently, but now he's a free agent so he wouldn't have had pre-season training or anything like that.

"He's always been a big talent, Martial, there were very high hopes for him at Man United but he never quite got going and didn't develop as much as they had hoped.

"Despite his qualities, there were always question marks about whether he would show up when needed and whether his attitude was right.

"He's a good player to have when you're on top, but if you're having to put in a hard graft, you might as well have 10 players on the pitch, and that won't do for Everton.

"Moyes would rather wait until January when they can look at the options available and then make a decision, rather than signing somebody just for the sake of it.

"For now, I'm sure they can make-do with Barry and have other players fill in out of position if needed, it's not the end of the world."

Which other strikers are on Everton's radar?

With the news that Everton are unlikely to pursue the signing of a striker on a free transfer, their focus will shift towards strengthening in the January transfer window.

The Toffees had considered a number of big-name strikers, notably including Folarin Balogun who walked away from signing on deadline day, and Spurs star Richarlison.

However, Football Insider revealed on 16 September that Everton are unlikely to reignite their interest in Richarlison despite coming close to an agreement in the summer.

Despite suggestions of a £35million move to Merseyside, the Brazil forward took to social media to dismiss suggestions he would be moving on, saying he would not be forced into a deal.

Sources say that Everton do not want to go back in for Richarlison after he turned them down, unless there is a drastic change of stance.