Friedkin now plotting 2026 move to sign "sensational" boyhood Everton fan

Fresh from his hat-trick to send the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup playoffs, Everton have now reportedly set their sights on signing Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar.

The Toffees are reportedly looking to address their striker problem in the January transfer window after Thierno Barry has failed to hit the ground running. The £27m forward, who became one of Everton’s most expensive signings in the summer, is yet to score a goal for the club and initially struggled for starts in the Premier League this season.

Barry’s disappointing form has coincided with Beto’s own struggles. The towering striker has bettered his teammate’s goal tally, but has still scored just twice in 13 games so far this season.

With two goals between their two forwards, Everton have set their sights on the likes of Daizen Maeda ahead of the winter window. The Celtic forward reportedly wants to leave the Scottish club in January and the Toffees are among the clubs eyeing his signature for just £15m.

At his best, Maeda scored 33 goals in all competitions for Celtic last season and although he is yet to reach those levels in the current campaign, a move away could quickly rediscover his golden touch.

However, he’s not the only name on Everton’s shortlist. Those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium have also reportedly set their sights on Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who’d help their goal problem from midfield. The Scotland star recently scored a stunning overhead kick for his country as they secured World Cup qualification in dramatic fashion.

Everton certainly had an eye on the international drama too, given that they’re now also reportedly targeting a move to sign Parrrott.

Everton plotting Troy Parrott move

As reported by TeamTalk, Friedkin are now plotting a move to sign Parrott, who is a boyhood Everton fan. The Irishman has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring 13 goals in 14 games for AZ Alkmaar and then scoring five goals in two games for Ireland over the November international break.

Three of those five goals came against Hungary as Ireland secured their playoff place at the death, courtesy of their rising star. It’s a performance that will live on in Irish history and one that could help Parrott make his return to the Premier League.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker was rightly at the centre of praise, with former Ireland star Ray Houghton saying: “I understood it, that Troy was a young lad who came through and was going to be a sensational talent, went to Spurs as a kid, made his debut when he was 17 and had so much ahead of him, but it didn’t quite go the way everyone anticipated.

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“He had to reinvent himself as a player, so to see the joy he had playing for his country and doing what he did, hopefully it will inspire the next generation of players.”

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Amorim considering Man Utd move for £25m star who's a "joy to work with"

Manchester United are on an improved run of form and could now be set to strike in the market to sign a highly talented midfielder, as Ruben Amorim plots further improvements.

Man Utd deliver stunning win over Brighton & Hove Albion

Consistency has eluded the Red Devils for much of Amorim’s reign at the club. However, they may now be starting to make a positive change on that front after securing a third Premier League victory in quick succession against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Slick signings in the forward areas, such as Bryan Mbeumo, coupled with a renewed feeling of solidity between the sticks courtesy of Senne Lammens, have brightened the mood at Old Trafford, and their firepower proved to be too much for the Seagulls in the end, despite the visitors’ late fightback.

Speaking after their victory on Match of the Day, Amorim urged his side to take the sting out of the game next time after they had to deal with late pressure before eventually sealing three points on home soil.

He said: “We need to be a bit more calm next time. We know the quality of Brighton, they always have hard games and of course they have the capacity to come back but I think in the end – it is part of the game and the most important thing is in the end that we win.”

While Casemiro could be in the final months of his Manchester United career, his contribution, for now, remains pivotal. However, there will come a time when the Brazil international decides to move on to make way for younger talent.

When that happens, the Red Devils will hope to have a contingency plan, and they may be about to put that into practice if recent developments are to evolve.

Man Utd set to target Jobe Bellingham deal

According to The Express, Manchester United are considering a loan move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham amid increasing tension between his father and sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

The 20-year-old has notched two assists in 12 appearances so far this term, though could be set for a surprise switch to the Premier League after a mixed start to life in Germany.

Labelled “a joy to work with” by Tony Mowbray, the England youth international joined Borussia Dortmund for £25 million in the summer and has proven his worth in the engine room, winning 15 duels so far in the German top-flight, per Fotmob.

Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is also another target for Amorim to add fresh legs in midfield as his side look to pursue a place in the Champions League slots.

Either way, there will be a sense of intrigue among Manchester United supporters as they look to push a deal over the line for Bellingham, someone Mowbray has also showered in praise for his “excellent” all-round abilities.

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