Transfer News

The Friedkin Group just made a move to sign striker who mocked Everton fans in 2017

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Everton may now have less of a need for a new striker.

Thierno Barry has netted three goals in his last four Premier League appearances to help Everton take seven points from clashes against Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Wolves and Aston Villa.

However, the Toffees are still on the lookout for a new frontman, as Beto only has two goals in 22 Premier League games this term.

Everton want Youssef En-Nesyri, but the Morocco international has reservations over a move to England, and Il Matino in Italy now state that The Friedkin Group have asked about Romelu Lukaku instead.

If YOU were in charge, would you bring Lukaku back to Everton? 🤔

He only has 18 months left on his contract at Napoli… 👀

Romelu Lukaku celebrates a goal at Everton
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Everton make contact with Napoli to enquire about Romelu Lukaku

The Italian news outlet believe Everton have asked Napoli whether the Belgium international is on the market this month.

Lukaku – who scored 87 goals in 166 appearances for Everton before a £75m move to Manchester United in July 2017 – is yet to make an appearance this season after fighting to recover from a serious hamstring injury.

However, as the Belgian prepares to make his return, Everton have asked about his availability, but received a negative response.

Il Matino state that there is “no way” Lukaku will leave Naples this month, and he is expected to see out the season with Napoli before assessing his situation in the summer.

The 32-year-old is said to be committed to Antonio Conte, but considering the former Everton striker will only have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season, all parties have a decision to make.

Some Everton fans may have mixed feelings about a return for Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku sent Everton fans a lovely message after the Toffees departed Goodison Park at the end of last season.

However, the man from Antwerp irked some Everton supporters immediately after leaving for Manchester United back in July 2017.

Thierno Barry backs himself to be the next Romelu Lukaku at Everton…🤔

“They have a good history and good players who have played here, like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. When I was young I liked to watch these players, now I want to do like these players who have gone before.”

Thierno Barry’s first words after signing for Everton

Lukaku famously cupped his ear to the Everton fans inside Old Trafford after scoring for Manchester United in a 4-0 win over the Toffees, and also shushed the away section after providing an assist for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Defending himself, Lukaku said: “It’s just a bit of banter, with the free-kick I missed, they booed me. It’s just football.”

Nevertheless, Everton fans have long memories, so some might be against bringing the former Goodison Park hero to the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a result of his antics in 2017.