Have Everton found the answer to their striking problem?

It doesn’t take a genius to point out Everton’s failings so far this season. If someone just screams “pace, width and goals” to you repeatedly it’s a surefire bet that said person is a Toffees fan.

The failure to land a replacement for Romelu Lukaku has hit the team hard, as has Ronald Koeman’s failure to find a formation that suits the players he has at his disposal.

However, the answer to Everton’s goalscoring woes may be right under their noses.

Henry Onyekuru joined the club for £7m from Eupen in the summer but was immediately loaned out to Anderlecht for the season as Everton were unable to gain a work permit for the 20-year-old Nigerian.

Non EU/EEA players need to have played a certain percentage of games for their national team over the past year in order to qualify for a work permit - in Onyekuru’s case 75%.

Given Onyekuru only made his debut for Nigeria in June he was never going to fulfil that criteria.

However, according Nigerian website 90 Minutes Goal, Everton may attempt to bring Onyekuru back to Goodison Park in January anyway.

The report claims Everton will use the “exceptional talent” argument to try and convince the authorities to grant Onyekuru a work permit even though he doesn’t fit the criteria.

Everton reportedly did something similar when signing Ramiro Funes Mori, citing his Copa Libertadores victory with River Plate as evidence of his talents.

Fellow Nigerian players John Obi Mikel and Kelechi Iheanacho also gained work permits using this method when joining Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

Onyekuru was top scorer in the Belgian league with 22 goals last season and has begun this campaign with five goals in 12 appearances, including two starts in the Champions league.

Everton may use this as evidence of Onyekuru’s talent and burgeoning potential in an attempt to bring the player back to Goodison early.

Given Everton’s struggles so far this season anyone who can bring some pace, dynamism and finishing ability to the side will be most welcome.

It remains to be seen though whether the Toffees will be able to do enough to gain the necessary paperwork in order for the deal to go through.