After what happened at the end of the January transfer window, there was always going to be a spotlight on Thierno Barry at Everton.

The club sold Beto to Fiorentina as they were trying to land Folarin Balogun from AS Monaco to replace him. But after expressing reservations about the player’s condition at the medical stage, he walked away from the deal, leaving Everton high and dry.

Duncan Ferguson shares what he honestly thinks of Thierno Barry

At times, there have been encouraging signs with Barry. But the 11 big chances missed are undoubtedly cause for concern.

One man who knows about the pressures of leading the line for Everton is Duncan Ferguson. And while the Scot sees improvements, he believes the Toffees need an upgrade.

He told BBC Radio Merseyside: “When I first saw him, I didn’t rate him. I didn’t think he was any good at all to be honest with you. Technically poor, couldn’t head it, couldn’t hold the ball up. A bit weak. But of course that’s his first season. He’s quite a young player.

“This season he’s come on a bit. With good coaching and getting a bit stronger and wiser to the league. Still got problems, hasn’t he? He’s much better at running away from the ball than he is coming towards the ball. He’s got energy, enthusiasm. He keeps putting himself in there which is a good trait for a striker. He keeps putting himself in the right areas, and he’s playing games. He’s going to get enough games.

“If you’re fit and you keep putting yourself in the middle of the goal, you’re going to score 10 goals a season at least. So if he keeps putting himself in there he’ll get goals.

‘Hit-and-miss’ is certainly the right phrase to describe Barry after scoring six goals but also missing 11 big chances.

But given Everton’s situation right now, ‘hit-and-miss’ isn’t good enough. Everton need more consistency in the final third, because under David Moyes this team will not create an abundance of chances.

There needs to be a clinical marksman up top who can put chances away on a much more regular basis than what Barry is currently doing, and it’s paramount that the problem is addressed in January.

Who could Everton sign to upgrade on Barry?

The January window is always challenging, as clubs don’t want to lose players in the middle of a season. So Everton might need to dig deep – with The Friedkin Group putting Everton up for sale though, one wonders just how much investment there will be.

There have been links to some strikers in recent weeks, including Dion Drena Beljo, Nicolo Tresoldi, Esteban Lepaul, Younes Ebnoutalib and most recently Marcus Rashford.

Of these players, Tresoldi may be the best option, having seven league goals in just nine appearances so far this term.

Many of these players have been scoring consistently for their clubs, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Toffees pursue any in a couple of months.