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Henry Okenyuru has impressed on loan with Anderlecht this season
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Everton ace Henry Onyekuru could return to Goodison Park in January with Ronald Koeman desperate for striker

EVERTON could be about to attempt to solve their striker crisis by trying to get a work permit for Henry Onyekuru rushed through.

Ronald Koeman signed Nigerian prospect Onyekuru from Belgian club Eupen in a £7million deal last summer.

 Henry Okenyuru has impressed on loan with Anderlecht this season
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Henry Okenyuru has impressed on loan with Anderlecht this seasonCredit: Reuters

But because the 20-year-old failed to meet FA guidelines for non-EU players to get a work permit he was immediately shipped out on loan to Anderlecht.

The idea was that Onyekuru would spend a season back playing in Belgian meeting the FA regulations before returning to Goodison Park for the start of next season.

But Everton's failure to land a striker to replace Romelu Lukaku following his £75m move to Manchester United has left a massive hole in their squad.

And there are now suggestions in Nigeria that the Premier League club are looking at launching a special appeal to get Onyekuru cleared to begin his career in England early.

 Everton could try to get a work permit earlier than expected for Henry Okenyuru
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Everton could try to get a work permit earlier than expected for Henry OkenyuruCredit: Reuters
 Ronald Koeman has been left short of attacking options in his squad
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Ronald Koeman has been left short of attacking options in his squadCredit: PA:Press Association

The Nigerian website 90minutesgoal say the Toffees are considering trying to apply a "special talent" clause in the regulations to allow him to get clearance to play in England.

Non-EU residents normally have to have played in at least 75 per cent of their country's international matches over the previous two years.

But in certain circumstances clubs can ask for those rules to be waived if they believe a young talent is good enough.

To satisfy this they must appeal to an FA panel that Onyekuru's ability is so good he would genuinely add quality to the Premier League.

 Henry Okenyuru has scored four goals in his last four games for Anderlecht
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Henry Okenyuru has scored four goals in his last four games for AnderlechtCredit: EPA

The exceptions panel would consider the transfer fee paid for the player, his age, wage and recent form for his current club.

And Everton believe the fact Onyekuru is impressing at Anderlecht, having scored four goals in his last four appearances, will add to the strength of their case.

Talk of linking up early with the rest of the Everton squad has only increased after the youngster posted a video of himself back on Merseyside this week.

Before lodging an appeal, Everton would need to reach agreement with Anderlecht over the early termination of his season-long loan deal.



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