Everton's chances of signing Folarin Balogun in January revealed by expert after new twist

Everton could find it difficult to renew their interest in signing Monaco star Folarin Balogun in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old came close to joining Everton on transfer deadline day, before the deal fell through in the closing stages and the player opted to walk away.

That came as a significant blow to David Moyes' side, who are still in desperate need of a new striker, and have been backed to reignite their interest in January.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that a number of Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Balogun and could rival Everton.

The USA international has caught the eye of multiple suitors, not just in England but across Europe, and the Toffees will face stiff competition if they are to return.

Meanwhile, there are doubts about whether Everton would be able to pull off a deal for Balogun at this stage given the way things played out during the summer window.

Could Everton make a new move for Folarin Balogun?

Brown told Football Insider on 6 October that Everton could make a new move for Balogun when the January window opens given their desperation to sign a new striker.

The Toffees are believed to have remained in contact with his representatives, and while he has hardly featured this season, will keep a close eye on his performances.

However, after Balogun opted to walk away from Finch Farm during the summer, and with growing interest from elsewhere, they could find the deal tricky to pull off.

"Everton are obviously still going to be keen on Balogun, but it could be tricky to get a deal done," Brown told Football Insider.

"After everything that happened in the summer, their concerns about his injury, the decision to renegotiate, and then his decision to walk away, would that deal still be on?

"The new issue they're going to face is, I'm told they're not the only club in the Premier League who have been keeping tabs on Balogun.

"Obiously it looked like Everton would win the race for him during the summer, but the situation has changed now, and those other clubs could come back in for him.

"A lot will depend on how well he plays for Monaco, because he's been injuried in the early stages of the season but they will be watching him when he returns.

"If he continues to impress in France, there's no reason why Premier League clubs or European clubs couldn't be tempted to make a move.

"So that's another issue for Everton alongside the question marks about how they, or how he, would feel about that move taking place after the drama in the summer."

Which Premier League clubs are interested in Balogun?

Alongside Everton, a number of Premier League clubs had expressed an interest in signing Balogun during the summer window, and could now be tempted to return.

The striker was linked with moves to the likes of Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, who were considering their options, following an impressive World Cup with the USA.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 10 August that Tottenham had Balogun on their shortlist in the final month of the window and were weighing up a move.

Spurs had been keen to bolster their attacking options late in the window, but despite landing Omar Marmoush from Man City, are still sorelly lacking up front.

That could see them reignite their interest in Balgoun should he be available in January, with a return to North London on the cards for the former Arsenal man.