Sources: Everton join rivals in race to sign Man United star in January
Everton have enjoyed a strong start to the season under David Moyes and are keen to push on as part of their ambitious project.
Moyes’ side beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last time out, raising them up to eighth in the Premier League table with three wins from seven games.
However, there is a growing feeling that there are still a number of issues in their squad which will need addressing in the January transfer window.
New full-backs have been long-term targets for the Toffees alongside additions in midfield, while Beto and Thierno Barry have struggled to find consistency up front.
As a result, Everton are tracking three new strikers as options to strengthen in a key area.
Everton join race to sign Man United star Joshua Zirkzee
Now, the Toffees have set their sights on Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee, after Football Insider revealed Zirkzee could quit Old Trafford in January after growing unhappy.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Everton are concerned about their current striker options and want to strengthen the position.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 8 October that Everton want to sign Zirkzee as his age and potential fit in with what they are trying to build.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “If there is a green light for Zirkzee to leave Man United in January, I’m sure a lot of clubs will be in for him.
“It’s obvious he was going to struggle for minutes this season, he’s got Benjamin Sesko ahead of him as the preferred number nine with Cunha and Mbeumo as the alternatives.
“Obviously the player himself is frustrated at his lack of opportunities this season and he could push for a move away in January if those minutes don’t improve.
“There’s always been interest from Italy with the likes of Juventus and Como because of the success he had in Serie A before his move to Man United.
“Everton again, another club maybe where the likes of Beto and Barry haven’t set the world alight just yet and they’ve failed to hold down a starting spot.
“So I expect they’ll be looking at somebody like Zirkzee as well when the January window opens.
“I’m sure there’d be a number of clubs who would be interested in him if Manchester United do reluctantly let him leave in January.”
So far this season, the forward has made just three Premier League appearances and racked up just 82 minutes of football, leading to questions about his place in the squad.
West Ham also plotting move to sign Zirkzee in January
Football Insider revealed on 12 October that West Ham are in the race to sign Zirkzee alongside the likes of Como and Juventus in the January window.
The Hammers, similar to Everton, are concerned about their current striker options and would be interested in the Netherlands international if he becomes available.
Zirkzee could follow the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Javier Hernandez and Teddy Sherringham as one of a number of players to have represented Man United and West Ham.
Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to stamp his mark on his starting XI at the London Stadium and is already putting plans in place for the January transfer window.
However, West Ham and Everton are not the only Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the striker who could be tempted to remain in England even if he quits Man United.
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