Everton could sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin style strikers by luring Ludovic Ajorque and Serouh Guirassy to Goodison Park at a 'bargain rate', according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.
The £34million arrival of Amadou Onana and Conor Coady's season-long loan switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers took the Toffees' number of summer recruits up to five this week, but boss Frank Lampard could add further fresh faces to his squad ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
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What's the latest news involving Ajorque and Guirassy?
It is understood that Everton are battling it out with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City and Brentford to tempt Ajorque away from Strasbourg.
The Toffees stepped up their pursuit of the 28-year-old Frenchman by sending scouts to watch him in action against Monaco earlier this month.
It comes after Wolves have already seen a formal offer rejected by Ajorque's current employers as the deadline looms.
Meanwhile, according to the Express, Everton are in talks with Rennes over a deal for 26-year-old frontman Guirassy.
The report suggests the Merseyside outfit are looking to sign the France-born three-cap Guinea international on an initial loan with an option to buy and negotiations are ongoing with the Ligue 1 side.
What has Paul Brown said about the duo?
Brown believes the links to Ajorque and Guirassy shows that Everton are not looking to spend big despite seeking striker alternatives.
The journalist feels the duo could play a bit-part role like Salomon Rondon, who has only made 11 starts since joining last August.
Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "They look more like Calvert-Lewin-type of players who Everton would be looking to sign maybe at a bargain rate.
"They could come on in a similar way that Rondon did, having some minutes when Calvert-Lewin is back or starting up front when he's not available rather than someone who is going to put genuine pressure on him or play alongside him terribly much."
Why are Ajorque and Guirassy being targeted by Everton?
Ajorque and Guirassy clearly know where the back of the net is, having scored 81 and 61 senior goals respectively during their club careers.
Lampard was without Rondon and Calvert-Lewin during the season-opening defeat to Chelsea last weekend, emphasising the need to recruit at least one new striker.
With Calvert-Lewin facing a month out after suffering a freak knee injury in training, Ajorque and Guirassy would be shrewd additions to the Everton squad and go a long way towards alleviating Lampard's attacking worries.