Everton summer target's time at Conference League club 'seems over' - report

Folarin Balogun Breaking Media Limited/Manh Tung

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Folarin Balogun could be in the headlines again soon after a move to Everton from AS Monaco fell through in the summer.

The Toffees were close to signing the USMNT international in the previous transfer window before it was cancelled in the final minutes.

Having sold Iliman Ndiaye and Beto, the Blues needed attacking reinforcements on deadline day, but after a hold-up, the former Arsenal striker decided against making the switch to L3.

Balogun's transfer saga at Hill Dickinson Stadium was certainly embarrassing.

David Moyes is now left with Thierno Barry as his only natural striker, and the French forward has continued to miss big chances in front of goal.

It's clear the Merseyside outfit need another number nine in January, and the American ace could be on the move.

Balogun is open to playing in the Premier League despite the opportunity not materialising in the summer.

The USMNT star has had a slow start to the season due to fitness issues, something that was brought up during his medical with the Toffees.

Balogun has only recently returned to Filipe Luís' squad, making four league appearances, but none of them as a starter.

According to Tuttosport on 27 October, the American striker's time at Monaco, who are in the Conference League this season, "seems over".

The 25-year-old's agent Jorge Mendes has a good relationship with Juventus and is ready to propose their client to them.

The Serie A giants are looking for attacking reinforcements ahead of the winter transfer window.

Everton seemed right to be apprehensive about Balogun's fitness, and the striker may now appreciate why the club showed caution before getting a deal over the line.

The Toffees clearly wanted to make sure that they weren't leaving Moyes with a depleted attack, which they ended up doing.

While The Friedkin Group have decided to sell the Blues, that doesn't mean they don't have a duty to ensure the Scottish manager has a decent-sized squad to compete.

The higher the Merseyside outfit finishes in the Premier League, the more attractive they will be for prospective buyers.

Signing a new striker should be a priority for the hierarchy in L3 in January and there's no harm in making another approach for Balogun.