Everton’s hunt for a new number nine is starting to narrow, even though nothing is close to done.

Everton’s hunt for a new number nine is starting to narrow, even though nothing is close to done.

Liam Delap remains the leading contender. Chelsea’s valuation of the striker has reportedly dropped from around £40m toward £30m following his difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge, and Everton are understood to see him as their most realistic route to genuine firepower up front. Everton’s hunt for a new number nine is starting to narrow, even though nothing is close to done.

Troy Parrott has emerged as the other name gathering pace. Everton are in the mix for the AZ Alkmaar forward but face competition from Ajax and Real Betis, with three weeks left before the season starts and Moyes still short of a new centre-forward.

Both would arrive as upgrades on Thierno Barry and Beto, the club’s current options, with Barry himself facing questions over his long-term future amid interest from RB Leipzig.

While Everton have been heavily linked with a summer move for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, the transfer has not been officially completed. Below is an overview of the ongoing speculation and why David Moyes has targeted the forward.
​Everton Set Sights on Chelsea Striker Liam Delap
​Everton are actively pursuing a move for Chelsea forward Liam Delap as manager David Moyes looks to bolster his attacking options. The 23-year-old former Manchester City academy graduate caught the eye during an impressive 2024–25 Premier League campaign with Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals before securing a £30 million transfer to Stamford Bridge.
​However, Delap struggled for regular playing time in West London, featuring primarily off the bench. With Chelsea open to restructuring their front line under Xabi Alonso, the Blues have placed a valuation near £40 million on the forward, opening the door for rival Premier League clubs.
​For Everton, securing a reliable center-forward remains a top priority. None of the Toffees’ attackers reached double figures in league goals last season, highlighting the team’s need for a sharper focal point up front. Delap’s physical presence, direct running, and aerial strength fit the profile required for Moyes’ tactical system. While personal terms are reported to be manageable, negotiations over the transfer fee between Everton and Chelsea remain the key hurdle before any deal can be finalized.

A handful of other names have floated around the search earlier in the window without gaining serious traction. Jhon Duran, Ayase Ueda and Taty Castellanos have all been mentioned at various points, but none currently carry the same weight as Delap or Parrott.

Everton have made two permanent signings so far this summer in Hayden Hackney and Christian Nørgaard, alongside Merlin Röhl’s loan being made permanent. A striker remains the clearest gap in the squad heading into the new campaign, and Moyes will be hoping one of his two leading targets moves before the window shuts.