Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Everton battle to sign ex-Arsenal star Falorin Balogun

Everton continue to explore opportunities throughout the transfer market as preparations for the new Premier League season gather pace.

The club have been linked with a number of additions in recent weeks as the recruitment process heats up behind the scenes.

One position that attracted some attention was at centre-forward.

Everton have explored a number of options as they look to strengthen their attacking department, with Levante midfielder Karl Etta Eyong among the names mooted.

Reports have recently claimed that Everton have made contact with the highly-rated striker following his successful campaign.

However, Ipswich Town are currently understood to be keen on a deal and have already opened negotiations.

Recruiters continue to monitor opportunities across Europe as they try to identify value in a competitive market.

Another player currently on Everton's radar is Torino star Alieu Njie.

Reports from Italy last week suggested that Everton had informed Torino that they were willing to pay up to £9 million for the Swede.

The Italian club are believed to be worth close to £13 million for the player, and it remains to be seen if talks will be reopened or if both sides will try to bridge that gap.

However, the Tuttosport report also revealed that Everton is the only club willing to make a visible move for Njie.

That situation has put the Merseyside club in a strong position if negotiations continue.

Everton's recruitment strategy this summer is focused on identifying players with room for improvement while also adding quality that can improve the first team squad quickly.

Financial discipline remains an important part of Everton's approach within the PSR, but despite that, the club is still expected to support its manager in key areas of the club.

Because of this, Everton continued to look for players who would be able to strengthen their options in the final third.

Against this, another striker has emerged as a potential target.

Everton, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace claim Folarin Balogun

According to CaughtOffside, Everton are among the clubs monitoring Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.

The report claims that the former Arsenal striker is interested in a return to the Premier League this summer.

Balogun left Arsenal in 2023 before joining Monaco in a £34 million deal. Since moving to France, he has gained valuable experience in Ligue 1 and European competition.

The USA player, who also made a splash at the World Cup this summer, is still highly regarded and scored 19 goals in all competitions last season.

Now it is reported that a return to England is being considered.

Interested clubs have reportedly been informed of a possible £43 million deal, and Everton are not alone in tracking the situation.

Crystal Palace are also said to be interested, while Nottingham Forest have also been eyeing the striker along with other Premier League rivals.

The £43 million transfer fee will represent a major investment for the Toffees.

Any move will depend on the wider development within the club's summer plans.

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However, Balogun is now among the names being discussed as Everton continue to evaluate their target strikers.