Everton scouts were reportedly in attendance at a Champions League game last night.
Indeed, Everton sent scouting staff to Turkiye to watch Galatasaray in their 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt.
This was reported in the print edition of Turkish outlet Sabah this morning (Thursday, 23rd).
The report also states that a number of other clubs were in attendance to monitor unnamed Galatasaray players.
Wolves also sent scouts to Istanbul, while Bundesliga side Stuttgart and Italian giants AS Roma and Napoli were also present.
While no specific names were linked with the Blues, Moyes could be looking at strengthening his defence following Branthwaite’s setback.
DEFENSIVE REINFORCEMENTS KEY IN JANUARY
One such player who featured for Galatasaray on Wednesday night was Davinson Sanchez.
The Colombian international has previously been linked with Everton, so it’s plausible interest could be reignited.
Indeed, the 29-year-old also has Premier League experience, making 143 league appearances for Spurs.
Moyes has previously stated the need for investment in his backline, a situation compounded by Branthwaite’s prolonged absence.
However, Sanchez is contracted at Galatasaray until the summer of 2029, having signed an extension in August.
Elsewhere, the Toffees require investment at full-back on both sides of the pitch, with Mainz 05 right-back Anthony Caci linked.
Caci is an attacking-minded full-back, capable of playing higher up the pitch and is a free agent as of next summer.
However, the Frenchman is unavailable until the New Year due to a hamstring injury.
At left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko, who is also out of contract next summer, has been linked with a move away.
Reportedly, unnamed clubs in Italy and Spain are keeping tabs on the Ukrainian international.
The Toffees do have an option to extend his contract by a year, with talks presumably taking place behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Sean Dyche is reportedly keen on a reunion with Dwight McNeil since taking over at Nottingham Forest.
January will be a big month for Moyes and will likely define how successful our season will be after a decent start.