Everton target 'brilliant' striker amidst West Ham and Nottingham Forest battle for 'full of character' star
Everton have been named as one of four clubs after an ex-Premier League star
Everton have yet to utilise the January transfer window to great effect but still have time to bring in reinforcements to David Moyes’ squad before Monday’s deadline.
The Toffees sit in 10th place in the Premier League table, and the Scotsman retains belief in his current squad of players despite the issues caused by injuries to key men such as Jack Grealish in recent weeks.
Multiple January reinforcements have been considered, however. Right-back is believed to be a position of interest and the likes of Brooke Norton-Cuffy have been linked, while Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has been touted as an option, but Crystal Palace are believed to be the front-runners for the Norwegian.
An extra forward option may be useful to Moyes this month, though, despite the strong recent form of Thierno Barry. Fellow striker Beto could still leave this month and that would leave the Toffees short in attack, meaning that other names may still be considered.
Everton linked with Jhon Duran move alongside top-flight rivals
According to reports by A Spor in Turkey, Fenerbahce striker Jhon Duan is believed to be ‘on the radar’ of Premier League clubs including Everton this month. The Toffees are mentioned alongside Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and West Ham United as potential suitors for the 22-year-old Colombian, who is currently on loan from Al-Nassr.
His current loan in Turkey would make a January move complicated, but a near-identical scenario did not prevent Tammy Abraham from securing a permanent move to Aston Villa earlier this week. Like Abraham, Duran used to ply his trade at Villa Park before securing a massive £64m move to the Saudi Pro League in January 2025.
A Spor’s report claims that Duran does not want to leave Fenerbahce, but this is questioned by reports from Sport Witness which relay claims from Turkish newspaper Sabah, which claim Duran ‘wants to play in the Premier League’. If a return to the English top flight is Duran’s desire then Everton may have been presented with a huge opportunity to secure his signing this month.
‘Full of character’ Duran lit up Villa Park during his time in England
Known as somewhat of a maverick during his time at Villa Park, Duran largely played a secondary role to Ollie Watkins but was unplayable at times when given the opportunity by Unai Emery. Ultimately, he departed to seek more regular game time elsewhere, but things may not have quite gone to plan if the Colombian does return to England so soon.
He has vast potential, though, and would be a welcome addition at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Whether playing alongside Thierno Barry or in rotation with the 23-year-old, the two young strikers would undoubtedly entertain supporters in Merseyside and provide the Toffees with a clinical edge in front of goal.
Speaking in October 2024, Aston Villa captain John McGinn described the quality possessed by Duran. "He has been brilliant,” said McGinn. “He is someone who is full of life, full of character. He has great humour. He has really come out of his shell, well, he wasn’t always in his shell but I think the sky is the limit for him.
"He is so focused and he looks like he is really enjoying his football. I said to him in the dressing room tonight before the game, how many are you going to score? He said two but one will do."