Everton are heading into the January transfer market knowing they are short in the midfield department.
Injury to Merlin Rohl and the latest suspension for Idrissa Gana Gueye have left David Moyes extremely limited in his options in the middle of the park.
Just last week, Everton fans were debating who should play in midfield for the game at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
That debate quickly ended, with James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam currently remaining as the only fit senior midfielders.
Everton do expect Rohl to return from injury in December, but Gueye will then be missing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
January will provide Everton with an opportunity to address these issues, and the perfect midfield signing may have just entered the market.
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Everton could land January deal for Conor Gallagher
Everton News columnist Alan Myers is urging Everton to go and sign another midfielder when the January transfer window opens.
The Blues showed over the summer they are keen to land players of star quality, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added to the squad.
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Another could be added in January, with Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher keen to return to the England fold.
Who would be your perfect January signing for Everton?
David Moyes ideally needs a new striker, midfielder and right-back all in the space on the January window…
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According to Sky Sports, the former Chelsea player will have a queue of Premier League clubs lining up for him if Atleti open the door to a sale.
It is believed that a loan is unlikely, and a January sale could cost teams in the region of £35m.
The Friedkins were keen to make a statement signing in the summer, which they got in landing Grealish for the season.
However, adding a player like Gallagher in the January market would be a huge sign of intent from the Everton owners.
Conor Gallagher could be the perfect signing for Everton
Everton News understands that Everton want to avoid recalling Harrison Armstrong from his loan stint with Preston North End.
So, a January addition would seem like a priority for the Toffees, given their current absences.
Who would you drop between James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye if Everton signed Conor Gallagher?
Conor Gallagher has scored more Premier League goals (18) than James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye combined (11).
Adding a player like Gallagher would certainly elevate the Everton midfield, despite his recent struggles in Spain with Atleti.
Last 365 days(per 90 minutes) Conor Gallagher James Garner Idrissa Gana Gueye
Progressive carries 1.84 1.04 0.56
Progressive passes received 3.83 1.64 0.96
Interceptions 1.7 1.41 1.41
Tackles 2.33 2.42 3.38
Gary Neville waxed lyrical about James Garner following the game on Monday night at Old Trafford, but he is going to need some support in midfield without Gueye.
Gallagher has demonstrated his ability to get up and down the pitch, which would suggest he could be a perfect partner for either Garner or Gueye in that Everton midfield.
With considerably more progressive carries, Gallagher could help link the midfield and attack with his ability to get forward from the deeper-lying positions.
The 25-year-old will certainly have a lot of interest, but Everton are now a different outfit to the one inherited by the Friedkins last year.
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