Declan Walsh

Sat 1 January 2022 11:10, UK

Everton could pursue a deal for Brentford centre-back Pontus Jansson to make him their second signing of the January transfer window, according to The Mirror.

The newspaper reported via their print edition on 1 January [page 6 of pull-out] that the Blues will sign Dinamo Kiev left-back Vitaly Mykolenko, a deal which has since been officially confirmed by the Merseyside club today.

It is understood that after signing the Ukraine international, 30-year-old Jansson could be targeted by the Toffees but that depends on whether they will be able to sign him due to Financial Fair Play constraints at Goodison Park.

Additions needed

Whether or not Everton can sign more players after clinching Mykolenko remains to be seen and could hinge on sales.

Lucas Digne is someone who we’re all expecting to see go with a new left-back going in, plus widespread reports that the Frenchman has fallen out with manager Rafa Benitez.

We could get a decent sum for Digne but Everton need more than just a sale of the ex-Barcelona left-back to be able to fund the signings they need.

Let’s face it, we need new players in almost all areas of the squad and signing Mykolenko and Jansson isn’t going to solve our problems.

Jansson has had a decent start to life in the Premier League with Brentford after spending several years in the Championship getting better and better with Leeds before joining the Bees.

He’s a solid, physical centre-back who attackers really won’t enjoy playing against because he’s known to rough people up.

We would not mind a player like that in the squad but a deal for the Sweden international seems unlikely until the Blues raise funds.

Until that happens, we’ll be sceptical about most transfer stories.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.

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