Everton boss Sam Allardyce has suggested that he will only sign a new striker in January if he represents value for money.

On Thursday, reports suggested that Everton had entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been linked with a number of high-profile clubs in Europe.

Allardyce refused to be drawn on speculation regarding a specific player, but the former England boss hinted that he would only sign a replacement for Romelu Lukaku if it was the right fit for the club.

The 63-year-old told reporters: "A centre-forward who scores goals is the hardest thing to recruit these days. It's the most expensive area of the pitch today.

"If there is one out there who is ready-made, are they too expensive and is it the right moment [to sign them]? My first signing has to be correct, has to be the right signing for Everton and for my future."

While Wayne Rooney has scored seven Premier League goals this season, fellow summer signing Sandro Ramirez has struggled to settle at Goodison Park and Oumar Niasse has been linked with a move away from the club.