Mauro Icardi set to make announcement in days amid Everton transfer latest
Mauro Icardi's thoughts on a move to Everton have been indirectly revealed.
The 33-year-old striker has been linked with David Moyes' side in the last few days after failing to land an attacker on deadline day.
They had a deal agreed to sign Folarin Balogun but that collapsed when the player pulled the plug.
Richarlison also did not feel like making a return to Merseyside, despite an agreement with Tottenham.
The Blues now have to scour the free agent market, and the 16-goal man was someone who was thought to be an option.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium side are set to find out shortly whether Icardi is interested in a move.
What is the latest on Everton target Mauro Icardi's plans?
Everton are understood to be evaluating a formal offer for Icardi, however, they may not have to now.
A report from Turkish outlet Aykiri, which has 1.2million followers on their X account, claims that he is considering retirement.
It states that the player is going through a "turbulent" time from a personal perspective and rejected a new £4.2m annual contract with the Turkish side.
It is understood that Icardi has stopped training and does not want to play for any club.
The report states that he is expected to announce his retirement in the coming days.
Who could Everton sign instead of Icardi
It seems as though Icardi will not be coming to L3, and the Blues will have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Anthony Martial, the former Manchester United striker has been linked as a potential option.
He notched 90 goals and 54 assists in 317 matches with the Red Devils, and has Premier League experience.
However, he is 30 and only managed one goal and three assists last season in 21 matches with Mexican side Monterrey.
He is the only other concrete name that has been mentioned at the current moment, although the club could be working on something else behind the scenes.
Only time will tell, but for now, Moyes will have to rely on Thierno Barry and an alternative option such as Tyrique George or Brennan Johnson.
It is far from ideal for the Merseysiders, and Icardi's planned retirement puts a spanner in the works.