Vlahovic tipped to ease forward failings

EVERTON have been backed to make a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic next summer in order to get themselves a prolific marksman without having to splash out on a massive transfer fee.

- By CHRIS BEESLEY

Dusan Vlahovic in action for Serbia against England at Wembley last week

With over a quarter of the Premier League season gone, current Blues strikers Beto and Thierno Barry have just one goal between them in the competition, with the former last netting in the 3-2 win at Wolves on August 30 and the latter having yet to break his duck following his £27-million switch from Villarreal in July.

If David Moyes - who broke Everton's transfer record three times in as many years on strikers during his first spell (James Beattie, £6 million in 2005; Andrew Johnson, £8.6 million in 2006; Ayegbeni Yakubu, £11.25 million in 2007) - is unable to compete with the astronomical fees that some of his Premier League rivals are now shelling out, then he should box clever by snapping up a high-profile target on a Bosman free transfer.

That's the verdict of former Blues captain Don Hutchison.

Speaking on behalf of www.sportscasting.com, the 54-year-old said: "I look at Everton now and I've commented on them quite a few times, and what they're crying out for is a number nine.