What people ‘close’ to Ivan Toney are saying about a move to Everton in January

Everton are one of the Premier League clubs who would be keen to bring Ivan Toney back to England in January.

It is not going to be an easy deal for any party involved, with Toney facing strict technicalities in his contract with Saudi side Al-Ahli.

Everton News understands that Everton are looking to add another striker in January following an underwhelming start to the term from their current options.

David Moyes will have been encouraged with what he saw from Everton striker Thierno Barry at the weekend, but the Frenchman still came up short in front of goal.

The name which is being spoken about this week is Toney, with the Englishman’s time in Saudi Arabia coming under scrutiny ahead of the World Cup next year.

Speaking to Everton News, transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has provided the very latest on the 29-year-old’s future.

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Everton have held exploratory talks with Ivan Toney’s camp

Last week, Everton News reported that Everton scouts watched Franculino Dju in Europa League action against Celtic.

The search for a new striker is well underway and Everton chiefs have now held preliminary talks with Toney’s camp.

In conversation with Everton News, Bailey has shared his understanding on the recent talks to take place ahead of January.

“He’s had talks with Everton. They were general inquiry type talks, they’re not locked down, it’s not advancing very far at this point,” Bailey told Everton News.

“There’s Tottenham, West Ham and a lot of other clubs involved. The question is whether Toney really wants to come back to the Premier League. That is one thing I’m told he’s not 100% convinced about.

“There is the tax issue which he would be liable to. There is a way around that in terms of you could loan him etc. But, from what I’m being told, the clubs are not entirely convinced that Ivan Toney wants to move and will move.”

“I’m told, from people close to the deal, it’s unlikely at this point that he’ll move back to England.”