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A Champions League side have come up with a frequently successful plan to sign an Everton striker.

The Toffees have enjoyed an impressive start to the season under new boss Rafa Benitez. They have gained 14 points from their opening seven matches and sit fifth in the Premier League table.

Summer signings Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have been particularly effective in attack. They both got on the scoresheet during September’s 3-1 victory over Burnley.

The pair also played a huge role in Everton’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Anthony Martial had given the Red Devils the lead, but Gray did some great work down the left to set Everton up on the counter-attack.

Abdoulaye Doucoure then found Townsend free in the box and the winger beat David De Gea before imitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration in his own back yard.

However, Townsend and Gray are rare examples of Everton’s transfer strategy being successful. A number of players have struggled at Goodison Park after joining for substantial sums of money.

Turkish striker Cenk Tosun is one player to do just that. He managed 19 goals in 2017-18 to earn himself a £27m Everton move.

But since then the 30-year-old has scored just 11 times in 58 appearances. He was shipped out to Besiktas on loan for the second half of last season in a bid to regain some confidence.

Things didn’t work out for Tosun as he was kept on the sidelines by a serious knee problem. Besiktas still remain keen on his services, despite the injury.

Turkish outlet Sabah (via Sport Witness) report that the club were hoping to re-sign Tosun in the January transfer window.

His lack of fitness means they will target him next summer instead. The striker’s contract expires in June and Besiktas will use the tried-and-tested method of signing him on a free.

The Turkish giants can finalise a pre-contract agreement with Tosun from January onwards.

Assessing who will be the next Premier League manager to get the sack

Everton have ‘best chance’ of signing Isco

Spanish source Mundo Deportivo claim that Everton are pursuing Real Madrid’s Isco.

The playmaker has featured six times in La Liga this campaign but is yet to complete a full 90 minutes.

Carlo Ancelotti prefers to operate with Vinicius Junior and Eden Hazard either side of the striker. There is no room for Isco in midfield as Luka Modric tends to provide the creative spark.

Rafa Benitez has worked with Isco before and could use this pre-existing relationship to get a deal over the line.

There is room for an attacking midfielder on Merseyside following James Rodriguez’s move to Al-Rayyan.

READ MORE: Juventus tipped for transfer of ‘excellent’ Everton ace in January exchange

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