Everton are set for an interesting January transfer window, with a new full-back firmly on their radar.
Heading into the winter market, Everton find themselves in desperate need of adding more goals to their squad.
Thierno Barry and Beto have provided a mere one goal in the Premier League between them, causing David Moyes a real headache.
However, Everton News understands that Everton will also be eyeing a new full-back in January having failed to really improve in that department over the summer.
Everton could lose Vitalii Mykolenko at the end of the season as his contract is currently set to come to an end.
With this in mind, transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has told Everton News that the Blues are already looking at options to add in that department.
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Everton closely watching Thierry Small’s progress at Preston
Everton News understands that Everton have been watching closely the progress of Thierry Small this season and have been very impressed with what they have witnessed.
Everton are already represented at every Preston home match as they monitor the future of Harrison Armstrong.
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Moyes has even watched Armstrong in action at Deepdale this season.
The Toffees, like all clubs, monitor former academy graduates. Small left Everton at 17 – with Rafael Benitez the first-team manager – to join Southampton as he did not see a clear path to the first-team – despite being offered professional terms.
He played once for Southampton and then spent time on-loan at Port Vale and St Mirren before joining Charlton from where he joined Preston last summer.
Still only 21, he has over 100 first-team appearances under his belt and his form with Preston has seen him earn a call-up to the England Under-21 squad.
Now, Everton News can confirm that Everton are liking what they are seeing from their former graduate and left-back is a real problem position for the club.
“Thierry Small is a fascinating player who is having a brilliant season at Preston. He is playing for England’s Under-21s, he is standing out,” Bailey told Everton News.
“Everton know all about him, and they are now seeing him regularly. They are looking at left-backs and I am told Small is firmly on their radar.”
Thierry Small has now featured for England U21s
Small came on for England’s U21s against the Republic of Ireland as he replaced Manchester City’s Rico Lewis.
Having joined Preston, the 21-year-old has shone in the Championship under manager Paul Heckingbottom.
An overview of Thierry Small's 2025/26 campaign in the Championship with Everton.
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Prising Small away from Deepdale midway through the season would prove a big test despite the strong relationship between the two clubs.
However, he is a player who Everton have firmly on their radar as they consider their next move in bolstering their options at left-back.