OPINION
Everton are not famed for their attacking prowess in recent times, and that is pretty easy to assume considering that they have the likes of Cenk Tosun in their ranks.
This has led manager Marco Silva to play summer signing Richarlison up front for quite a few matches this season, a decision that has ultimately backfired, as the the Brazilian operates best when playing on the wing.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin the only recognised striker – of decent quality, that is – after the departure of Oumar Niasse to Cardiff City, it is safe to say that the Toffees are wearing painfully thin on the forward front.
This is why it would make complete sense for them to snap up Southampton attacker Charlie Austin, who the Telegraph report has been made available for sale by the Saints this month.
While the 29-year-old is not the most prolific of strikers in the Premier League, his ability to be in the right place at the right time as well as popping up with important goals should be a highly attractive trait to Silva.
After all, any option would be better than playing an out-of-sorts hitman up front wouldn’t it?
Everton would be doing themselves a huge favour by signing Austin, as seeing as he is out of contract in the summer and is free to talk to clubs this month, they must plot a move for him swiftly before the likes of Wolves or Aston Villa get there first.
Austin is currently on £70,000-a-week [Spotrac] at St Mary’s, which is a wage that Everton would be more than willing to match if it meant that he would join forces with them.
Imagine how he would combine with the likes of Richarlison and Theo Walcott? It would be quite the sight.
Austin is not the biggest signing that Everton could make this month, but he is certainly one who could make a huge impact on their season – so Silva must give the Everton fans bouncing by snapping up the in-demand ace.