Everton have been told to pay £16.5m if they want to sign prolific striker likened to Gabriel Martinelli

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Everton look resigned to yet another relegation battle and it’s largely due to a lack of goals in the side.

The Toffees have won just three of their opening 14 games so far this season and are among the lowest scorers in the division.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
12	NewcastleNewcastle	15	5	5	5	19	21	-2	20
13	Man UtdManchester United	15	5	4	6	19	18	1	19
14	West HamWest Ham	14	4	3	7	18	27	-9	15
15	EvertonEverton	14	3	5	6	14	21	-7	14
16	LeicesterLeicester	15	3	5	7	21	30	-9	14
17	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	15	2	7	6	14	20	-6	13
18	IpswichIpswich	15	1	6	8	14	27	-13	9

Only Southampton have netted fewer goals than Everton’s 14, which is a serious concern ahead of the January transfer window.

It’s obvious Sean Dyche needs attacking reinforcements as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto continue to falter.

And Calvert-Lewin could leave for Arsenal, anyhow, so Everton are expected to be in the market for a centre-forward.

With that said, it’s just come to light that they’re keeping tabs on a forward in Brazil.

• READ MORE: Everton handed major boost in manager hunt as Friedkin Group’s prime target likely to reject Wolves

Everton eyeing Igor Jesus

According to UOL, Everton are showing an interest in Botofogo striker Igor Jesus ahead of the January transfer window.

The Brazillian forward joined Botofogo on a free transfer in the summer from Shabab Al-Ahli and has already netted eight times whilst laying on five assists.

Such form has alerted Premier League rivals Wolves and Nottingham Forest, who could provide Everton with competition for his signature.

Everton have already made contact with Botofogo and have learned the conditions of the deal – they want bids of at least £16.5m.

Jesus made his debut for Brazil in October and has already made four appearances, netting his first goal against Chile.

READ MORE: The latest update on Graham Potter amid links to Everton

Igor Jesus likens himself to Gabriel Martinelli

Speaking to the FIFA website, Igor Jesus likened himself to Brazilian trio Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.

“The national team has a very pacey attack when you look at players like Vinicius, Rodrygo and Martinelli,” Jesus says.

“I think my game is quite similar to theirs. I like to try to attack the spaces and I am mobile. I don’t just stay in the box.

“I am capable of holding onto balls played out by the keeper and holding off defenders, which I think helps to ease the pressure on the team in tough passages of play.

“I hope I can play well so that I get called up for future squads too.”

• READ MORE: Everton handed major boost in manager hunt as Friedkin Group’s prime target likely to reject Wolves