The Southampton striker has been prolific on the South Coast while Everton continue to rely on Romelu Lukaku.
While it seems strange to claim that Everton are lacking in the centre forward department with Romelu Lukaku leading the race for the Golden Boot by plundering 19 in his most prolific campaign to date, the fact that no other player in Ronald Koeman’s squad has scored more than four this season means they are rather over reliant on the Belgian.
At the time then, it made sense for Everton to approach Napoli for Manolo Gabbiadini. The Daily Mirror reported that the Toffees were ready to challenge Southampton for the signature of the Italian international although his average goal record since joining the Partenopei cast doubts on whether his £17million signature was worth the risk.
The trail went cold from then on and, on transfer deadline day, the Saints completed the deal relatively unopposed. And after just three Premier League games, only Lukaku in Everton’s squad can boast more goals than the strapping centre-forward in 2016/17.
Although Koeman is not yet willing to accept that he made a mistake not pulling out all the stops to bring Gabbiadini to Goodison.
“Maybe it is too early to make that kind of conclusion,” Koeman told the Liverpool Echo.
“I agree he’s starting really well scoring goals. [Everton targeted Gabbiadini] in the summer, there was some business but wasn’t an agreement with him.”
The Liverpool Echo reports that Everton initially met Napoli’s asking price only for the Serie A challengers to refuse to sanction his sale.
And although Koeman may be keeping his cards close to his chest, the Dutchman must surely be glancing across at St Mary’s with some degree of regret.
After all, with Enner Valencia scoring just twice all season, Arouna Kone limited to 43 minutes and Oumar Niasse farmed out to Hull City, Gabbiadini could have been the ideal addition to Everton’s squad, and Koeman will know that deep down.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
