Everton Boss Koeman Reveals What Areas of His Squad Need Strengthening Ahead of September Deadline
Ronald Koeman has reiterated his desire to sign a new striker and cover at left-back ahead of September's transfer deadline.
The Everton manager was speaking in the wake of his team's 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Monday night, and informed Sky Sports of his wish to add two more players to his first-team squad.
The Toffees have found the net in each of their five competitive outings so far this term, but Koeman stated that he still expected to bring in another frontman to help replace the goals lost by the sale of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.
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He said: "(We want) a striker because I think even with the talent of Dominic and Ramirez, look to other squads. They have that number of players. If we need to make the next step we need a striker in as well."
Everton had been linked with Arsenal's Olivier Giroud and Fiorentina's Nikola Kalinic in recent times, but the pair are not set to move to Goodison with the former determined to fight for his place with the Gunners and the latter expected to move to big spending AC Milan.
Other considered options have included Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke and Arsenal's Danny Welbeck, but Koeman is yet to find the right target to bolster his attacking ranks.
The Dutchman has acquired the talents of boyhood Blue Wayne Rooney and Malaga man Sandro Ramirez this summer, but still aims to add a proven 15-20 goals a season forward to his striking options.
Meanwhile, Koeman also admitted that he is keen to bring in cover for veteran full-back Leighton Baines.
The 31-year-old will not be expected to play 90 minutes in every game of a gruelling campaign for the Blues and, with the only possible alternative to him out injured in Ramiro Funes Mori, Koeman is desperate to bring someone in to compete with his star.
He added: "We are looking for a left-footed central defender, maybe as back-up for Leighton Baines. With the injury to Funes Mori we don't have any left-footers on that side as a back-up for Leighton. That's an option."
