David Moyes looking concentrated and Kevin De Bruyne in an Everton shirt
David Moyes looking concentrated and Kevin De Bruyne in an Everton shirt
The Toffees are in desperate need of reinforcements as the January transfer window nears.
That is public knowledge, but no one expected the Belgian to emerge as a target on Merseyside.
Italian outlet Calciomercato reported on Monday that contact has been made with Napoli to assess whether a deal could be possible.
Interest is building at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but it isn't certain whether a move could be arranged in January.
If Everton could push a winter transfer over the line, who would be impacted for the worse in L3?
How could Kevin De Bruyne damage Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's progress?
Arguably the best performer for the Blues this campaign has been Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The 28-year-old has caught the eye having put up five goals and assists across all competitions so far.
That has seen him be put forward by many for a potential England call-up, although Thomas Tuchel is yet to make that decision.
There is every chance that his progress could all be for nothing should De Bruyne come in from Napoli.
The 35-year-old will obviously demand regular action and will want to serve as a number 10 with little responsibility defensively.
That would force Dewsbury-Hall into a different position, which will only damage his game and force someone else out the side.
De Bruyne to force Hayden Hackney further down pecking order
The success of the ex-Leicester City man has only represented bad news for Hayden Hackney.
Having signed from Middlesbrough in the summer, there were high expectations for his move to Merseyside.
His game time has been seriously limited, but there have been few complaints due to the success of Dewsbury-Hall.
Should De Bruyne come in at Finch Farm, the pecking order will only be shifted once again.
That would see Hackney drop to third in line under David Moyes, with even fewer chances to prove himself to Moyes.
It isn't an ideal situation and could prompt the former Boro star to depart earlier than anyone would have expected.
Charly Alcaraz doomed for Everton exit
If things have been bad for Hackney, they have only been worse for Charly Alcaraz.
The 23-year-old is yet to make a single Premier League start this campaign, and has been limited to just 14 minutes as a substitute.
He finds himself even further down the pecking order for Moyes, and that doesn't look like changing.
The Argentine has already been strongly linked with an exit in recent months, but it could finally be arranged if De Bruyne comes in.
There would be little to no reason for Alcaraz to stick around as his permanent move to L3 looks becomes all the more disappointing.