Report: Everton have ‘held talks’ with £30million striker | OneFootball

Everton Eye Moves for Delap and Doak Amid Injury Concerns

Delap Chase Highlights Striker Ambition

David Moyes is wasting little time in reshaping Everton’s attacking options. Having confirmed interest in Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, the Merseyside club face fierce competition from Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle for the 22-year-old, suggest reports from The Guardian. Delap’s £30 million release clause adds urgency, especially after Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League.

Moyes admits Everton are “a bit behind the black ball” in the pursuit, but remains hopeful: “We have had a chance to speak to him. He’s spoken to three or four clubs and he’s given us the opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but you never know what happens.”

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The pitch from Moyes could hinge on the fact that Everton would make Delap their first-choice striker – a guarantee few others can offer.

Doak Decision Would Be Historic

Everton are also circling Liverpool’s young winger Ben Doak, who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Middlesbrough before a thigh injury cut his campaign short. While his £30 million valuation may be steep, interest remains serious. If successful, Doak would become the first player to move from Liverpool to Everton since Gary Ablett in 1992.

Liverpool have already turned down £15 million and £16 million bids from Crystal Palace and Ipswich for the 19-year-old, who joined the Reds from Celtic in 2022 for a £600,000 compensation fee.

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Injury Blow for Branthwaite

Injuries continue to plague Everton, with Jarrad Branthwaite set to miss the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia due to a hamstring issue. The knock occurred during Sunday’s win over Southampton, and the defender now faces a six-week layoff.

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Moyes provided a realistic update, stating: “The tournament would have been great for him but I think it’s just going to come too quick for him. It will probably be the start of pre-season before we really get him back.”

Baines Staying Put

In better news for continuity, Leighton Baines will remain part of Moyes’ backroom team as Everton gear up for a crucial summer window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Toffees supporters, this summer could be pivotal. Liam Delap offers the kind of hungry, developing striker that Everton fans have craved. The fact Moyes is willing to pitch him as the club’s No.9 shows intent. “We’re not just making up the numbers anymore,” one fan might say. “This is a move that tells the league we’re ready to build again.”

Ben Doak, meanwhile, is another thrilling link. Yes, £30 million is a big fee for a teenager, but his potential is huge. It would be a statement — not just of ambition but of breaking old barriers. The fact that no one has crossed from Anfield to Goodison in this direction since Gary Ablett tells you everything about the emotional charge behind this.

Still, Branthwaite’s injury is a blow. He was outstanding at times last season, and his absence from England’s U21 squad is disappointing. But in Baines staying and Moyes already working the phones, there’s a feeling of strategy – something Everton have lacked for far too long.