Everton are plotting a raid on Premier League rivals Coventry City, with one of Frank Lampard's most important players potentially in line for a departure.
Everton pushing for Europe while Coventry fight the drop
Lampard's main goal this season will be to steer his Coventry side to safety, and it is so far so good, with the Sky Blues currently one point clear of the bottom three, having won three of their first ten matches back in the top flight.
Premier League position Club Points Goal difference
17th. Coventry City 7 -9
18th. Man Utd 8 -5
19th. Sunderland 8 -9
20th. Crystal Palace 9 -14
That said, with Manchester United and Sunderland sitting just one point behind, Lampard will have his work cut out, whereas things are looking more rosy for David Moyes after leading his side to three wins on the spin in all competitions.
After the 3-1 victory against Coventry last Friday, Moyes said: "We gave away a really poor goal but the reaction from there was really good. Important that Thierno Barry got another couple of goals tonight, which was huge for us.
"He can smile at me now and say I told you so and that's good. We always liked him, and we want him to keep scoring. He's missed quite a few chances, but tonight he got important goals for us."
REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
The Scot also made some history by equalling the record number of games in charge of the Merseyside club.
Unlike Harry Catterick, however, who won two league titles during his time with the Toffees, Moyes still doesn't have a trophy to show for his time at the club.
With The Friedkin Group announcing they are looking to sell up, things are looking increasingly uncertain, but a new transfer target has been identified, after showing signs he could help the Blues end their long wait for a trophy.
Everton eyeing move for Jack Rudoni
Ipswich Town's Ben Godfrey in action with Coventry City's Jack Rudoni
Ipswich Town's Ben Godfrey in action with Coventry City's Jack Rudoni
According to a report from Football Insider, Everton are now showing interest in signing Jack Rudoni, although it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, as Coventry are desperate to keep hold of their star midfielder.
In fact, the Sky Blues are going all out to retain the 25-year-old, and there is a belief he will be prepared to sign a new contract if they avoid the drop this season.
As things stand, the attacking midfielder's contract is set to expire at the end of next season, and the Toffees are ready to pounce, but there could be competition from Leeds United.
Jack Rudoni playing key role for Coventry
Rudoni-coventry-championship
Letting Rudoni leave mid-season would be inexplicable, as he has been one of Lampard's most important players this season, scoring three goals in ten Premier League matches.
The Coventry boss even described the Englishman as "Champions League level" en-route to promotion from the Championship last season, and he has created 17 chances in the Premier League this term, which is seven more than any other player in the squad.
At 25, Rudoni could now be entering his prime years, and he could be an exciting addition to Moyes' squad, but a deal may be difficult to arrange this winter.
Moreover, despite Barry impressing Moyes last time out, signing a new striker needs to be the priority for Everton this winter, after failing to bring in a replacement for Beto, who signed for Fiorentina on deadline day.
man-city-premier-league