Balogun can be 'closer to finished article' for Toffees - McNulty

Everton's search for a striker has taken them to AS Monaco after they agreed a £40m deal for Folarin Balogun.

Balogun made headlines during the World Cup when President Donald Trump made representations to Fifa to get his red card overturned after he was sent off playing for the United Stated in their last 32 game against Bosnia and Herzagovina.

Everton manager David Moyes will be hoping he can create new stories if he completes the formalities of his deal such as his medical and moves to Merseyside before the transfer deadline.

Moyes has been seeking a reliable spearhead as an alternative to Thierno Barry, talented but raw, and Beto, who is moving to Fiorentina.

And in Balogun, he has a forward who started out at Arsenal and had loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims before moving to Ligue 1 with Monaco, where he has flourished and matured.

Moyes has a creative midfield with the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at its heart, but with Iliman Ndiaye closing in on a move to Manchester City, he needed more firepower that has been missing on too many occasions.

Barry has started the season well, with four goals in three games, but the 23-year-old still has much to learn, with Balogun regarded as much closer to the finished article.

Everton are still pursuing Manchester City's Jack Grealish, although the deal for Balogun reduces the chances of Richarlison returning to his former club from Spurs.

Much will rest on Balogun, who will be expected to deliver the goals that Barry and Beto failed to deliver last season.