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Everton's need to strengthen their forward line is no secret.

Since the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United in the summer of 2017, the Blues haven't managed to replace his goals.

In the same transfer window, Sandro Ramirez was brought to the club but failed to settle, and is now already on his third loan move.

Last summer, the situation was addressed in a much better fashion especially with the signing of Richarlison, who struck 13 times in the league and ended up level with Gylfi Sigurdsson as Everton's top goalscorer.

However, many of those strong performances came from the wing while the lead striker, primarily Dominic Calvert-Lewin towards the end of the term, struggled to score consistently.

Calvert-Lewin is seen as a developing talent with a lot of potential, but the Blues are still lacking that focal point up front for now - the club know it, the fans know it.

And, because of that, frustration is growing that a suitable player hasn't been brought in yet - with the clock ticking on the transfer window.

Those feelings were heightened in some quarters by West Ham's signing of Sebastien Haller on Wednesday - with the Frankfurt striker moving to London in a deal reportedly worth £45 million.

But, there lies the problem for Everton.

(Image: TF-Images/Getty Images)

There was no suggestion the Blues were interested in Haller, but if they were they would likely have had to shell out a club record fee to bring the 25-year-old to Merseyside.

Clearly the Frenchman is a quality player, but there is a lot for the club to consider when outlaying such a large amount of money and, ultimately, it seems he didn't fit the criteria that Marcel Brands and Marco Silva wanted.

But, ascertaining who does have the right requirements is becoming hard to pin down.

Rafael Leao is the latest name being linked with a potential move to Goodison - and he is a player that does interest the Blues.

In fact, the ECHO understands that the Lille forward was discussed as a potential target before the start of the transfer window.

However, talk of any offers being made is wide of the mark - and it doesn't seem at this stage that Everton will be pursuing this potential deal.

That, so far, has been the story of the Blues' forward search.

Exciting names are linked, there are reports of bids being made - but ultimately nothing has come of any rumour as of yet.

As has increasingly become the case with Brands since taking over at Goodison, his cards are being played pretty close to his chest in this transfer window.

(Image: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)

But, far from being concerned, fans should be confident at this stage.

Just because a striker isn't through the door yet doesn't mean there won't be one on the horizon.

Granted, it's not ideal that a new forward isn't already in place at Goodison, but the evidence is there that a new signing can come out of the blue.

Take last summer, for example.

Links to Richarlison were apparent thanks to his previous relationship with Silva at Watford, but the eventual bid from the Blues came relatively out of nowhere.

A couple of days later, the Brazilian was at Finch Farm holding up his new shirt having signed a five-year contract - becoming the club's first signing of the summer even at that late stage.

That was the first time Evertonians got a real glimpse of the way Brands works and supporters have learned to trust the club's recruitment policy because of the successes of last year.

If the right player comes along for the right price, there is a confidence among Blues fans that the club will be able to secure a deal.

It seems at the minute Everton are biding their time, assessing all of their options and seeing who is not just the best price, but the best for for the side as well.

It's taking time, but sometimes these things do.

It might not be ideal, but as long as the right player is brought into the club before August 8, then it could be for the best.