Everton and Nottingham Forest have both been jostling for a striker this month.
There are limited options on the market for The Friedkin Group to pursue, with most clubs unwilling to sell reliable marksmen in the middle of the season.
Everton have identified two options worth signing in Jorgen Strand Larsen and Wilson Isidor of Wolves and Sunderland respectively, although Nottingham Forest have also been linked to the duo.
Now – however – Sean Dyche has agreed a deal for a different striker in Lorenzo Lucca, potentially giving Everton less competition to worry about in the hunt for a new frontman.
How much would you pay for Jorgen Strand Larsen in January? 🤨
He scored 14 in the Premier League last season!
Nottingham Forest deal for Lorenzo Lucca suggests Everton now have better chance of Wilson Isidor or Jorgen Strand Larsen deal
It was The Athletic who revealed that Nottingham Forest have agreed to take Lucca on loan from Napoli for the remainder of the season, with a £40m option to buy the Italy international.
Dyche simply wanted to find a replacement for the injured Chris Wood this month, so it feels unlikely that Nottingham Forest will continue to compete against Everton for strikers in the transfer window.
That should come as a boost for David Moyes, as the Reds are able to offer UEFA Europa League football to targets this month, and also have the financial power to beat Everton to signings as well, so they represent – or at least represented – a serious competitor.
Wilson Isidor deal seems more likely for Everton than Jorgen Strand Larsen after Nottingham Forest strike Lorenzo Lucca agreement
While Nottingham Forest may well be out of the race for Larsen now, reports say Crystal Palace and Leeds remain keen on the Norway international.
However, Keith Downie of Sky Sports claimed it was only Nottingham Forest and Everton who had asked Sunderland about Isidor, suggesting the Toffees now have a clear run at signing the Frenchman.
Would you back a move for Wilson Isidor ? 🎯
He said: “Everton and Nottingham Forest have enquired on Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor. No concrete approach has been made, as both clubs are waiting and/or considering other targets.”
With Lucca potentially being that “other” target Downie alluded to, Everton may well be about to push on with a deal for the Sunderland striker – in our view at least.
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