Everton's chances of agreeing Mauro Icardi deal revealed

Everton are "unlikely" to genuinely pursue a move to sign free agent striker Mauro Icardi in the coming weeks, sources have told Football Insider.

The Toffees are financially capable of affording a deal to sign 33-year-old, but David Moyes is reluctant to delve into the free agent market at the moment.

The Scottish boss has no intention of rushing into the free agent market, despite Thierno Barry being the only senior frontman at the club right now.

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.

The Merseysiders have been linked with a move for Icardi in recent days, while the Argentine also has interest from Italy in the likes of Lazio and Parma.

Everton's striker issues have been well-publicised since the end of the transfer window, but Moyes is keen to avoid adding a new face to the squad unless it is the right fit.

David Moyes prepared to go until January with one striker

Everton's failed attempt to sign Folarin Balogun on transfer deadline day has left them woefully short of options at the top of the pitch.

Moyes' discontent at the way the situation was handled has been clear, but he is also not prepared to make a knee-jerk signing just to provide cover.

With the transfer window now closed until January, the free agent market is the only option for the Toffees to strengthen their hand at this stage.

However, every player without a contract is highly likely to have not had a full pre-season, meaning it would take time for them to reach match fitness.

It is clear that is in Moyes' mind as he assesses his options, for now at least, the boss is clearly prepared to go until January without a backup striker, rather than taking a gamble on a player like Icardi.

Amanda Staveley to get 'seat at Everton table'

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider last weekend that the chance to invest in Everton would genuinely appeal to Amanda Staveley and her allies.

The former Newcastle director recently failed in a bid to buy a minority stake in West Ham for £150million, and Borson believes that she could strike a similar deal at Everton.

The football finance expert made it clear that the Toffees tick more boxes for Staveley than West Ham did, and feel that she is capable of "getting a seat at the table."

Staveley and her consortium have been working on a return to the Premier League, and may be ready to exploit the recent uncertainty surrounding The Fredkin Group.