Everton may now be looking toward Brazil for much needed striker support, with a player often compared to Ronaldo Nazario now on the table.

The January transfer window opens in just under two months and already Everton are getting linked with a handful of strikers, to try and support Thierno Barry.

Everton in race to sign Vitor Roque

Everton seem guaranteed to strengthen in attack during January. Marcus Rashford is another name linked, although now Brazilian transfer journalist Diego Firmino has tweeted on X that the Toffees are interested in Palmeiras’ Vitor Roque.

The claim puts forward that Palmeiras wouldn’t open talks for anything below €50m (£41m) due to the 20% clause Barcelona have in the event of his sale.

It is suggested 2027 is when Everton could make a move, but this transfer would be much more likely under new ownership given The Friedkin Group are looking to sell and therefore wouldn’t be keen to pay so much for a player when they are on their way out.

But for the new owners, it would be a quick way to show ambition.

Vitor Roque’s comparisons to Ronaldo Nazario

As a youngster, Roque was compared with footballing legend Ronaldo Nazario, or R9 as he is commonly referred to. Goal compared the two after Barcelona forked out nearly £30m for the Brazilian when he was a teenager.

Roque only played 16 times for Barcelona and scored twice, but this was a teenager and he wasn’t given all that much time to settle in.

• Palmeiras – 95 appearances | 29 goals | seven assists
• Athletico-PR – 81 appearances | 28 goals | 11 assists
• Real Betis – 33 appearances | seven goals | two assists
• Cruzerio – 16 appearances | six goals | one assist
• Barcelona – 16 appearances | two goals

Since these comparisons, Roque hasn’t quite lived up to the billing. But the talent is there, he just needs the right environment at the right team. So the question is, will that be at Everton? And can David Moyes get him to his potential?