Everton have emerged as leading contenders to sign an in-demand striker, as their search for a new centre-forward continues.

It will be important for the Toffees to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window, as Thierno Barry remains their only senior striker, given that a move for AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun broke down on deadline day.

Coach Scott Chickelday has been left impressed by the way in which Barry has started the season, with the Frenchman bagging six goals in eight matches across all competitions, after a mixed debut campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, in which he was on the scoresheet eight times in the Premier League.

Chickelday said: "We worked on his finishing and he has come back flying. It has been a rollercoaster for him, getting booed by his own fans and being cheered like a hero. All these ups and downs."

"He has got a young baby too so he has had a lot going on. I know supporters will not look at that side of things because all they see is what he does on a Saturday. But he was adjusting to what is probably one of the toughest leagues in the world."

However, David Moyes cannot rely solely upon the 23-year-old, as fitness could become an issue, and the Toffees have started identifying targets at striker ahead of the January transfer window.

Everton enter the race to sign Esteban Lepaul

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton are now leading contenders in the race for Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, but plenty of rival Premier League clubs are also keen, including Leeds United and Aston Villa.

Lepaul could be available as early as January, despite recently signing a long-term contract at Rennes, which ties him down until the summer of 2030.

The Auxerre-born marksman, who has now collected three caps for France, scored 21 goals for Rennes in all competitions last season, and he earned major plaudits from former Rennes manager Habib Beye.

Beye said: "Esteban lives for goals; he’s spontaneous, drawn to open spaces in front of the net, and has an exceptional work ethic every day."

However, the 26-year-old isn't the only option on the Toffees' shortlist, with the likes of Tommy Lonergan, Mauro Icardi and Jean-Philippe Mateta also under consideration.

Mateta could be a particularly interesting option for Everton, considering the Frenchman has already proven himself in the Premier League, picking up 50 goals and nine assists in 163 matches in the competition during his time with Crystal Palace.