Everton have decided against signing a free-agent striker before January, despite David Moyes having just one recognised senior centre-forward available. Football Insider says that the club will wait for the winter window rather than add a short-term option. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider he would be surprised if Everton signed Martial. Brown questioned whether the 30-year-old could make a meaningful impact after his latest spell with Monterrey and the lack of a full pre-season programme. Martial became a free agent after leaving the Mexican club. The decision leaves Thierno Barry carrying significant responsibility, although the 23-year-old has started the campaign well. Barry scored the winner against Ipswich Town on 19 September, taking his league tally to five goals, while Everton maintained their unbeaten start. There is a sensible argument behind Everton’s stance, even though the squad has a clear weakness. Signing Martial simply because he is available would solve the numbers problem on paper, but it would not automatically solve the football problem. Brown’s concerns centre on fitness, work rate and Martial’s recent record. Those points matter for Moyes, whose side often needs forwards to compete physically, press defenders and contribute without the ball. A player arriving without pre-season would need time before he could offer that consistently. Everton’s summer business explains why the club now face this choice. Beto joined Fiorentina, while Iliman Ndiaye moved to Manchester City. Everton then agreed a reported £40m deal for Folarin Balogun, but the transfer collapsed after medical concerns and the striker ultimately chose not to join. Late loan approaches for Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham failed too. That left Barry as the recognised senior striker. His current form changes the calculation slightly. His goal against Ipswich showed that he can carry the attack for now, while other attacking players can cover centrally if Moyes needs them. Waiting until January should give Everton access to players who have trained and whose current level they can assess. That could produce a more useful addition than taking a gamble on a free agent who needs time to regain his rhythm. Still, the risk is obvious. One injury to Barry would leave Moyes short of a natural striker, and that could force him into uncomfortable tactical changes. Everton have chosen patience, but the decision depends heavily on Barry staying available. Covers football from all angles. One of the fastest growing football websites in the world. Share on Facebook (opens in a new tab) Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab) Share on LinkedIn (opens in a new tab) Share by Email (opens in a new tab) Share on Facebook (opens in a new tab) Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab) Share on LinkedIn (opens in a new tab) Share by Email (opens in a new tab) The 4th Official Verified account Follow Covers football from all angles. One of the fastest growing football websites in the world. Link for Patreon: https://t.co/I0iqzW5qBv Exclusive: #Rangers set-piece coach Simon Ireland has left his role at Ibrox. Appointed to replace Scott Fry in summer, he hasn't been involved in recent matchday squads. @lewisaird_ joining me on this one. Enjoy your nights bears, you’ve earned it 🎧 @gazpop81 and Lewis are on post match duties, and its a happy one tonight, as Rangers beat Celtic 3-0 in the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final at a jublilant Ibrox. Exclusively for our supporters on Patreon. Don't miss this one. "Much was made of the celebrations around Miovski's late winner midweek and to be honest, Rangers fans are used to false dawns but today's performance should be something they can build on. And what an opportunity they have to put that to the test next week. Celtic will be a