Everton are reportedly not planning to move into the free-agent market for another striker, despite David Moyes being left desperately short of options following a chaotic end to the transfer window.
According to The Telegraph, the Blues are not currently considering unattached players as a solution to their problems up front.
That stance is particularly interesting given how deadline day unfolded.
Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina before seeing their proposed £40m move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun collapse at the final hurdle.
Late approaches for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa’s Tammy Abraham also came to nothing, leaving Thierno Barry as Moyes’ only recognised senior centre-forward.
Everton resist free-agent temptation
Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has reportedly been offered to Everton, while there are several other experienced strikers currently without clubs.
For now, however, Everton appear prepared to resist the temptation to make an emergency signing.
That leaves Moyes having to find solutions from within his existing squad, at least in the short term.
Brennan Johnson and Tyler Dibling can offer attacking alternatives, but neither is a natural centre-forward.
After allowing Beto to leave without completing the deal for Balogun, it leaves Everton taking a considerable gamble on Barry remaining fit and finding the goals they need.
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