Jamie Vardy, 39, Could Make Shock Premier League Return After Everton Striker Crisis

Everton are considering a move for free-agent Jamie Vardy after being left with one recognised senior striker following the collapse of their attempts to sign Folarin Balogun and Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports.

The Toffees sold Beto to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City before the transfer window closed, with manager David Moyes seeking another centre-forward. A proposed move for Monaco striker Balogun then collapsed on deadline day, while subsequent approaches for Manchester United forward Zirkzee and Roma striker Tammy Abraham also failed.

Vardy, 39, is available after leaving Serie A side Cremonese at the end of last season. No agreement with Everton has been reported, but the former Leicester City striker remains able to join the club as a free agent after the transfer window closed, according to The Sun.

Everton's Striker Plans Collapse On Deadline Day

Everton's pursuit of Balogun reached an advanced stage on deadline day, with the club submitting a deal sheet as they attempted to complete the transfer from Monaco. Balogun had reportedly travelled to Merseyside to complete the proposed £40 million move, but an issue during his medical complicated the deal before the striker ultimately withdrew.

Everton then explored other options as they attempted to add another forward. A loan approach for Zirkzee was rejected by Manchester United, while a move for Abraham also failed to materialise. The club had previously explored the possibility of bringing former Everton striker Richarlison back to Goodison Park, but that move did not happen.

With Beto having already moved to Fiorentina, Thierno Barry is now Everton's only recognised senior centre-forward. The club did complete deals for Jack Grealish and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on deadline day, but neither addressed the shortage in the central striker position.

The Premier League's summer transfer window closed at 11pm BST on 1 September. However, players without a current contract are not restricted by the window and can sign for clubs after the deadline.

Vardy Has 145 Premier League Goals

Vardy spent last season with Cremonese after leaving Leicester City, scoring seven goals in Serie A. Cremonese were relegated at the end of the campaign and Vardy subsequently became a free agent.

The striker spent 13 years at Leicester, scoring 200 goals and helping the club win the Premier League title in 2015-16 and the FA Cup in 2020-21. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019-20.

Vardy has scored 145 goals in 342 Premier League appearances, placing him 14th on the competition's all-time scoring list. He also won 26 England caps between 2015 and 2018, scoring seven goals and appearing at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

Vardy Has Interest From Several Clubs

Everton are not the only club to have been linked with Vardy since his departure from Cremonese. The 39-year-old has attracted interest from clubs in England and overseas, including West Ham, Sheffield Wednesday and Brazilian side São Paulo.

Former Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has also emerged as another possible free-agent option for Everton, according to talkSPORT. The 30-year-old recently left Mexican club Monterrey after making 20 appearances and scoring once during his spell there.

Vardy is also reportedly weighing up his options after interest from Championship side Wrexham. He has yet to commit to a new club following his departure from Cremonese.

Everton have not announced a deal for Vardy, leaving the striker available as the club considers its options for the centre-forward position.