Sources: Everton tell Salomon Rondon to find new club in 'surprise' move
Everton are set to offload Salomon Rondon before the transfer cut-off despite their lack of striker options, sources have told Football Insider.
The 32-year-old Rafael Benitez signing is the only fit recognised striker at the club due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s long-term knee injury.
But manager Frank Lampard has told Rondon he is free to find a new club before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
That will be regarded as a surprise in many quarters, given the club's paucity of strikers and Rondon's extensive Premier League experience.
The Venezeula international has appeared in each of Everton's last three league matches and started the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Rondon made 23 appearances across all competitions last term but managed just three goals and one assist.
The former West Brom and Newcastle hitman is out of contract at the end of the season - although Everton have the option to extend his stay by another year.
The future of fellow forward Anthony Gordon is also in doubt amid extensive interest from Chelsea.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (28 August) that the Blues have submitted a bid of £25million plus Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja - in a deal worth a combined £85million.
This site also revealed on Monday (29 August) that Everton are bidding for PSV Eindhoven sensation Cody Gakpo, 23.
Everton have struggled to pull away from the relegation fight this term after narrowly avoiding the drop in the 2021-22 season.
They have notched only two points and three goals from their opening four games - and sit 18th in the table.