Everton examine Jamie Vardy and Anthony Martial after failed deadline-day moves left them light up front

# What happened Everton finished the summer window with a depleted forward line. They sold Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City and Beto to Fiorentina. Late attempts to add attackers failed: a move for Monaco's Folarin Balogun collapsed and a reported approach for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee did not materialise.

That sequence of events leaves Thierno Barry as Everton's only recognised central striking option in the squad.

# Who's being linked as short-term options Two free agents have been reported as potential emergency solutions:

• Jamie Vardy. The former Leicester City and England striker left Cremonese at the end of last season and is currently a free agent. The Mirror notes Vardy, now 39, scored seven goals in 29 appearances in Serie A after moving to Italy and finished his Leicester career with 200 goals in 500 appearances across competitions.

• Anthony Martial. TalkSPORT has reportedly offered Everton the chance to sign the former Manchester United forward, who has had recent spells with AEK Athens and Mexican side Monterrey and is currently available.

# What the manager said David Moyes addressed the outcome of the window and rejected suggestions he controls the club's finances: "I don't do the financials here, it's not me who does it." He also acknowledged the club lost a player they did not want to lose: "We lost Illy (Iliman Ndiaye), someone we definitely didn't want to lose."

On the failed Balogun move Moyes said: "It wasn't anybody's fault. It happens in football a lot. The player had a problem in his medical and that was simply it. There's no other story behind it."

# Why Everton are looking at free agents The club's summer business left them short up front. With departures and collapsed deals, signing a free agent is the quickest route to add an experienced forward without transfer fees or complex loan arrangements.

Reports link Vardy and Martial because both are unattached and have Premier League experience. Vardy offers a veteran goalscoring record in England and a recent season in Serie A. Martial brings younger experience in England and a broader club list, including a long spell at Manchester United.

# Immediate implications for the squad and season If Everton sign either player, the addition would likely be tactical and short-term: a boost to senior attacking options while the club assesses longer-term recruitment. If they do not, the team will continue the season reliant on Thierno Barry and existing attacking players, which increases pressure on squad depth and Moyes' selection choices.

# What to watch next

• How Moyes adapts his forward lineup if no signing arrives, specifically how much game time Thierno Barry will be expected to handle.
• Any follow-up on why Balogun's medical failed, and whether further late-window approaches for attacking reinforcements are attempted.

# Short summary Everton's deadline-day business left them short of strikers. With departures and collapsed moves, the club is reported to be considering free agents Jamie Vardy and Anthony Martial as quick fixes. Manager David Moyes said the Balogun move failed because the player had a problem in his medical and reiterated he does not control the club's finances. The next step is whether Everton will complete a short-term signing or proceed with their current squad.