---
title: "Four strikers already being linked with Everton ahead of January"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-january-striker-targets-lepaul-beljo-kofane-lonergan/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2026-10-15T14:29:22Z"
modified: "2026-10-15T14:29:23Z"
---

# Four strikers already being linked with Everton ahead of January

**January is still more than two months away, but the list of strikers being linked with [Everton](https://readeverton.com/) is already beginning to grow.**

That should not come as much of a surprise. Thierno Barry is David Moyes’ only recognised senior centre-forward following Beto’s summer departure, while David Ornstein has indicated that a striker is among the positions Everton are looking at for January.

Interest does not necessarily lead to a bid, particularly this far from the window. But four forwards have featured in recent reports, ranging from an established Ligue 1 goalscorer to a 22-year-old playing in Ireland.

## Esteban Lepaul

Esteban Lepaul has taken an unusual route to becoming a France international and Premier League transfer target.

The 26-year-old came through Lyon’s academy but had to work his way back up the French pyramid before reaching Ligue 1 with Angers. Ten league goals there earned him a move to Rennes, where he scored 20 in his first season.

[Everton’s interest in Lepaul](https://readeverton.com/everton-esteban-lepaul-rennes-transfer-interest/) is reported to be the strongest among the Premier League clubs watching him, with Aston Villa, Leeds, Brentford and Brighton also linked.

His age and experience make him one of the more established players on this list, although Rennes have him under a long-term contract and there has been no indication of an Everton bid.

## Dion Beljo

Dion Beljo would bring something rather different.

The 6ft 5in Dinamo Zagreb striker has scored 12 goals in his past 14 appearances, including 10 in seven league games, and has broken into the Croatia senior side.

Everton, Manchester United and Tottenham have reportedly checked on the 24-year-old, while Brentford have also monitored him.

There is nothing yet to suggest Everton have gone beyond watching Beljo, but his recent scoring record has put him firmly on the radar. We looked at [Everton’s interest in Beljo](https://readeverton.com/everton-dion-beljo-transfer-interest/) earlier this week.

## Christian Kofane

Christian Kofane is the name Everton already know rather better.

The club showed interest in the Cameroon international during the summer and his representatives held talks at Finch Farm, but Bayer Leverkusen were unwilling to sanction his departure.

Reports in Germany and England have since suggested Everton retain an interest in the 20-year-old, who is under contract until 2029. He has already featured in the Bundesliga and Champions League and can operate through the middle or from a wider position.

A January move would depend heavily on Leverkusen changing their position. Kofane has also recently suffered a thigh muscle injury, adding another consideration should Everton return for him.

Our [latest Kofane update](https://readeverton.com/everton-christian-kofane-transfer-january/) has more on the summer interest and Leverkusen’s position.

## Tommy Lonergan

Tommy Lonergan is the least established of the four and potentially the most intriguing.

The 22-year-old has been scoring regularly for Waterford in the League of Ireland Premier Division and also caught the eye with two goals for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s against England.

Everton were reportedly among the clubs watching him, although there has been no suggestion of an approach. Sunderland and Leeds have also been credited with interest.

A move for Lonergan would be very different from signing a proven Ligue 1 forward such as Lepaul. He would arrive with little experience at anything approaching Premier League level, but his form has been enough to attract scouts from England.

We have more on [Everton’s reported interest in Lonergan here](https://readeverton.com/everton-tommy-lonergan-transfer-interest/).

## Everton’s striker search starts to take shape

It is far too early to describe any of these players as Everton’s preferred January target.

Lepaul and Beljo are being watched after prolific starts, Kofane was already on the club’s radar during the summer and Lonergan represents a younger option emerging from Ireland. There is no evidence Everton are in advanced negotiations for any of them.

What is clearer is the position Moyes may want strengthened. Barry has started the season well, but Everton went into the campaign without another recognised senior centre-forward after their deadline-day move for Folarin Balogun collapsed.

There are another two and a half months for names to be added and removed before the window opens. For now, Lepaul, Beljo, Kofane and Lonergan provide an early indication of the market Everton are exploring.

***[Latest Everton news, transfer updates and analysis](https://readeverton.com/news/)***