According to ESPN FC, Everton are weighing up a January move for Sporting Lisbon striker Bas Dost, who has scored 41 goals in 53 games in all competitions for the Portuguese side, as they look to finally secure a direct replacement for Romelu Lukaku.

What's the word, then?

Well, ESPN FC says that Toffees boss Ronald Koeman wants to bring a centre-forward to the club in the New Year with the Merseyside outfit scoring just four goals in their seven Premier League fixtures so far this season, which has left them 16th in the standings.

The Dutchman is under huge pressure with the Toffees also taking just one point from six available in the Europa League, and he is ready to turn to his national compatriot who ESPN FC says has been a long-term target for Koeman.

The report adds that Everton director of football Steve Walsh watched the 28-year-old in action when Sporting were beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League last month.

How has Dost done at the Portuguese giants?

He has proven to be a brilliant addition after they brought him in from Wolfsburg in 2016.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Olympiacos vs Sporting CP - Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece - September 12, 2017 Sporting’s Bas Dost during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

The Netherlands international has netted 41 goals last season and so far this term, also providing a further seven assists in that time.

Why do Everton need him?

The loss of Lukaku was always going to be a huge blow for the Toffees considering the presence and goalscoring ability that he had, and it is clear to see that the Merseyside outfit are struggling having missed out on signing Arsenal's Olivier Giroud to replace him during the summer transfer window.

Sandro Ramirez is still adapting to life in England while Koeman is now relying on Oumar Niasse to be his main striker despite the fact that he had previously been frozen out by the Dutchman.

The need for a prolific centre-forward is extremely high, and Dost certainly fits the bill.

Would he be a good signing?

In a word, yes.

The 6'5" striker is strong and good in the air and has shown with his goalscoring record throughout his career that he can be a real threat in the Premier League and in Europe if he did join Everton.

He would certainly lead the line well and his hold-up play could allow the likes of Wayne Rooney, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Davy Klaassen, who have struggled to impress this term, to finally flourish.

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