Everton have reportedly identified Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Daniel Podence as a potential transfer target.
While the Toffees enjoyed a productive summer in the market, only Dwight McNeil and Neal Maupay were regarded as attack-minded purchases.
As a result, the former has regularly been rotated with Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon in wide areas, the trio playing key roles in their side collecting 13 points from their first 12 matches.
However, goals remain an issue for this Everton side with just 11 strikes being netted in the top flight during 2022-23, the joint-fourth worst return in the division.
Although three of those goals came in the last outing against Crystal Palace, it appears that the club's hierarchy are giving consideration to bringing in at least one fresh face for that area of the pitch in January.
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According to Football Insider, Podence has been placed on Everton's shortlist of potential targets ahead of the turn of the year.
The report suggests that Everton would prefer to sign players who can play in more than one position, a criteria which Podence is able to meet.
The 27-year-old has already started in four different roles for Wolves this campaign, including on both flanks and a false nine role in the absence of a frontline centre-forward.
While Podence only has two goals to his name from 864 minutes of football, the Portugal international has been one of Wolves' most threatening players during a disappointing start to the season.
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As it stands, it appears unlikely that Wolves will be prepared to contemplate a sale while they are fighting for survival in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, Podence has just over 18 months remaining on his contract at Molineux and super-agent Jorge Mendes will be weighing up future opportunities for his player.
The link with Everton is strengthened by former Wolves chief Kevin Thelwell currently possessing a close working relationship with manager Frank Lampard in his position of director of football.
Since Thelwell arrived at Goodison Park, Everton have already signed Wolves captain Conor Coady and ex-Wolves wide player Ruben Vinagre.
Darren Plant
