Everton have reportedly been given encouragement in their pursuit of free agent Anthony Martial, with the former Manchester United forward potentially available despite the transfer window having closed.
According to Foot Mercato, the Toffees are among the clubs keeping tabs on the 30-year-old as they continue to explore options to strengthen their attacking department.
Attacking target for Everton
David Moyes’ side had been close to adding another forward before the transfer deadline, with AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun emerging as a serious target. However, the proposed move collapsed on deadline day.
Everton ultimately finished the window without bringing in a replacement striker, despite allowing Beto to complete a move to Fiorentina. Their search for attacking reinforcements could still continue, though, with free agents remaining eligible to sign outside the transfer window.
That has brought Martial into the equation.
The French forward has been without a club since leaving Mexican outfit CF Monterrey in July. Reports in the British media last week suggested Everton were interested, and Foot Mercato has now provided a further update on his situation.
Easy route for Everton
Martial is no stranger to the Premier League after spending nine years at Manchester United between 2015 and 2024.
During his time at Old Trafford, the Frenchman registered 90 goals and 54 assists in 317 appearances across all competitions.
After leaving Manchester United as a free agent, Martial joined AEK Athens in 2024 before moving to Monterrey a year later. His spell in Mexico proved relatively underwhelming, with the forward managing one goal and three assists in 20 appearances, playing just 799 minutes.
Martial was reportedly earning €3.5million per year in Mexico, with his salary demands said to have discouraged several interested clubs.
Foot Mercato claims two unnamed Ligue 1 clubs, neither OGC Nice nor RC Lens, have made approaches for the former France international. One club was competing in the top half of the table, while the other was battling relegation.
Both sides hoped Martial’s experience could help them achieve their respective objectives, but the player rejected their proposals after club officials were unable to guarantee him a significant role.
An unnamed Champions League club also reportedly made contact before eventually withdrawing from the race.
Everton, meanwhile, have “tested the waters” to determine whether Martial would be open to returning to the Premier League.
The forward is currently training alone as he waits for what he considers the right project to help revive his career.
That could hand Everton a straightforward opportunity to secure his signature outside the transfer window, provided Moyes’ side can convince Martial that Goodison Park is the right destination for his next chapter.