Everton coach Sean Dyche has explained what he wants from a striker transfer. He has also addressed how Ellis Simms has affected the Goodison Park natives’ search for a free agent.
The Toffees continue to scour the market for a potential out-of-window signing to improve a disappointing offensive unit. No Premier League team has now scored fewer goals so far this season than the Merseyside outfit. Everton have scored just 16 goals over 22 matches.
A meagre attacking output has contributed heavily to the Blues’ battle to avoid relegation to the Championship this term. They have also now failed to score in nine of their fixtures after losing 2-0 at Liverpool. It marked the Toffees’ 12th defeat – the second-most in the league.
Only Southampton have lost more often than the Goodison natives with 15 across their 22 games so far this term. Dyche will hope Everton now show a response as they host Leeds United on Saturday. A win will move the Blues above the Whites and out of the drop zone.
Dyche will also hope to see Everton’s strikers find a rare goal as a free agent transfer looks increasingly unlikely. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay have still only scored one in their top-flight matches this term. While Simms is yet to score since re-joining the Toffees.
Everton ‘have to be honest’ about free agent transfers as Dyche shares Simms effect
Frank Lampard recalled Simms to Everton from a successful loan transfer to Sunderland at the turn of the year. The 22-year-old scored seven goals in 17 Championship appearances for the Stadium of Light natives. But he has only played 76 minutes with the Toffees since.
Dyche afforded Simms only his second senior start for Everton in their defeat at Liverpool on Monday. The Toffees boss turned to the youngster with Calvert-Lewin missing due to a hamstring injury. It will also keep the 25-year-old out of Saturday’s meeting against Leeds.
But while Dyche trusted Simms to start the Merseyside derby, he acknowledges the striker is still learning with Everton. So, he would like to add a proven Premier League pro to their squad. Yet Dyche admits Everton ‘have to be honest’ about the free agent transfer market.
“The one thing I would say is to share a view of it and you may well have noticed how many strikers are out there,” Dyche said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “What market are you looking in? How many are out there? How many are Premier League ready?
“In the current moment, we are not looking at developing players. We have that in Simms, learning his trade. You are looking for people to affect it straight away. It is not an easy market anyway for anyone. So, you have to be honest about the market place.”
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