Everton Plan Shock Move For Free Agent Vardy

Everton are weighing up a surprise approach for veteran striker Jamie Vardy after a calamitous deadline day left manager David Moyes with just one fit forward.

The Toffees’ attacking ranks were decimated following the sale of Beto to Udinese, with the club unable to secure a replacement before Monday’s cut-off. A proposed move for Monaco’s Folarin Balogun collapsed in the final hours, while a desperate loan bid for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee was firmly rejected.

As a result, Moyes is left with 18-year-old Thierro Barry as his only recognised striker from a depleted senior squad numbering just 18 outfield players.

Everton did complete a swap deal with Crystal Palace that brought Brennan Johnson to Goodison Park, with Dwight McNeil moving in the opposite direction. However, Johnson is viewed as a wide player rather than a natural centre-forward, and Moyes is now scrambling for alternatives outside the transfer window.

Vardy, 39, has been without a club since leaving Italian side Cremonese at the end of last season. The former Premier League title winner with Leicester City is available as a free agent and could be handed a short-term deal to ease Everton’s striking crisis.

Moyes has refused to rule out a move, telling reporters “We are assessing all available options. The squad is thin, and we need experience.”