Everton consider free-agent move for Jamie Vardy

Everton are considering Jamie Vardy as a late solution to their shortage of centre-forwards after failing to sign a new striker before the transfer window closed. The former England international is available without a transfer fee after leaving Cremonese at the end of last season, making him eligible to join despite the market deadline passing.

David Moyes currently has Thierno Barry as his only recognised central striker following Beto’s departure. Everton tried to bring in Folarin Balogun from Monaco, but those negotiations failed, while Manchester United rejected an approach to loan Joshua Zirkzee. Brennan Johnson, signed from Crystal Palace in a swap involving Dwight McNeil, can cover the position, although the club still wants a specialist option.

Vardy, 39, is also understood to be seeking a return to the United Kingdom with his family after his spell in Italy. He has been linked with Wrexham, whose approach he reportedly turned down, and São Paulo. A move to Everton would give him another Premier League opportunity after an international career and a long Leicester spell that produced 200 goals in 500 appearances, a 2016 league title and the 2020 Golden Boot.

The possible move follows a busy Everton window in which Iliman Ndiaye left for Manchester City and Jack Grealish arrived at Goodison Park.