Everton are now interested in signing 26-year-old forward Che Adams who was relegated with Southampton last season.
The Scottish international, who joined Southampton in a £15m deal from Birmingham City in 2019, was linked with a move to Goodison Park last summer, though a deal never materialised.
However, according to the Athletic, Everton may now look to reignite their interest in Adams, who has also attracted the attention of Nottingham Forest.
Adams scored 10 goals in 35 games in all competitions for Southampton last season, with five of those scored in 28 Premier League encounters.
Indeed, the report in the Athletic states that talks are yet to take place regarding an extension of Adams’ stay on the south coast, as the 26-year-old has just one year remaining on his current deal at St Mary’s.
Everton must strengthen their attacking options this summer and have been linked with a plethora of forwards alongside Adams, including Lyon’s Moussa Dembele and Beto of Udinese.
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Che Adams could be a striker suited to Sean Dyche’s style of play, and with just a year remaining on his current deal, he could be available for a decent price.
However, while 10 goals in all competitions would have made Adams Everton’s top goalscorer had he played for the club last season, there are perhaps more shrewd signings out there.
Southampton finished bottom of the Premier League table and the limited return of five goals from Adams no doubt contributed to their atrocious season.
Furthermore, it remains to be seen what kind of transfer kitty the Everton boss will receive this summer, or indeed whether or not the club will need to sell to buy.
Everton must get their transfer business right this summer, having made a £15m faux pas last year when they signed Neal Maupay from Brighton.
It is a mistake that the Blues cannot afford to repeat this year.