Champions League club will reluctantly engage with Everton as David Moyes opens talks for statement signing

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Everton have been reaching out to a number of transfer targets both domestically and on the continent.

David Moyes personally scouted Maxime Esteve last season and will likely move for the Burnley centre-back if Jarrad Branthwaite leaves for Chelsea.

Moyes is exploring deals to sign Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Liverpool winger Ben Doak, with the attack an area he’s identified as a weakness.

Jack Grealish is also on Everton’s radar and has just been left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad.

Now, there has been a fresh development on one of their other rumoured targets.

• READ MORE: David Moyes might not like what he’s just seen Jack Grealish post on social media amid Everton links

Villarreal will reluctantly negotiate deal with Everton over Thierno Barry

Everton have been exploring a deal to sign Thierno Barry after his productive debut season in La Liga with Villarreal.

Barry joined from Basel last summer and netted a commendable 19 times across the two clubs, alerting Moyes and his recruitment team.

• 41 appearances
• 19 goals
• 4 assists

Now, according to Cadena Ser, Villarreal have decided they will reluctantly listen to offers for the centre-forward.

It is believed Barry has a £33m release clause and Everton have already begun talks with the Champions League outfit.

Should Everton sign Barry or Woltemade?

It seems as though the Toffees are deciding whether to advance their interest in Barry or Woltemade this summer.

Woltemade had a debut to forget for Germany last night, and it prompted many fans to go back on their original thoughts.

But, according to the underlying data, he is the more prolific frontman, boasting a better non-penalty goal record per 90.

Woltemade is also statistically a better playmaker but Barry edges aerial duels won, which will be a key trait for Moyes.