As David Moyes looks to solve any remaining problems in his Everton side, the Toffees are set to target another out-of-favour player from a big Premier League club after the success of Jack Grealish.
Where Everton need to strengthen in January
It was an impressive first summer for The Friedkin Group, who matched their move into the Hill Dickinson with a number of fresh faces. Grealish, Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyler Dibling, Adam Aznou, Mark Travers, Merlin Rohl and Carlos Alcaraz all arrived as Moyes was eventually backed in full.
Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Since then, there have been several signs that the Toffees are no longer a side expecting to be fighting among the bottom three in the Premier League. Instead, they've so far set their sights on the top half and beyond - sitting as high as eighth after seven games.
Grealish has been particularly impressive since arriving on loan from Manchester City, with his first goal for the club coming in last-gasp fashion against Crystal Palace last time out. The former Aston Villa star has looked a man reborn in Merseyside after being frozen out at Man City at times and it's Moyes who's reaping the rewards.
That said, there are still some problems that the Everton boss must address when the January transfer window swings open. Leading his attack, for example, is an out-of-form Beto or summer signing Barry, who have both struggled to get going on the goals front so far this season.
Beto has been particularly poor whilst Barry continues to settle and finding a replacement for the towering forward should be seen as one of Everton's top priorities this winter.
Everton expected to target Joshua Zirkzee
According to Pete O'Rourke, Everton are expected to target Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window as he continues to struggle for game time at Man United.
The forward has lost his place to big-money signing Benjamin Sesko and is unlikely to get it back anytime soon, sparking rumours that he could leave Old Trafford just 18 months after arriving.
"Everton again, another club maybe where the likes of Beto and Barry haven’t set the world alight just yet and they’ve failed to hold down a starting spot.
“So I expect they’ll be looking at somebody like Zirkzee as well when the January window opens. I’m sure there’d be a number of clubs who would be interested in him if Manchester United do reluctantly let him leave in January.”
Dubbed "intelligent" by analyst Ben Mattinson before his move to Man United, Zirkzee should jump at the chance to join Everton if they come calling in January.
Moyes has already transformed Grealish into a player who could very well find himself back in contention for a World Cup place next summer and Zirkzee could be next to benefit. The forward wouldn't be the first player to find his best form after leaving Old Trafford, either.