George Overhill

Tue 2 January 2024 21:45, UK

It is “certainly” possible that Everton could bring in some new arrivals during the transfer window on loan but cash signings are unlikely, says Alan Myers.

The Sky Sports journalist provided his assessment of what may happen across January via Twitter (2 January) to suggest signings may well be on the cards, but only by low-cost means.

He also noted that activity is likely to be influenced significantly by any possible departures which could change the situation.

Myers wrote: “It’s possible something will happen, don’t see any money signings but certainly loans, free’s a possibility and depending if anyone goes out.”

Inevitable

Everton eventually managed to bring in a number of new men in the summer and the form on the whole this term under Sean Dyche has helped distract from the straightened financial circumstances to an extent.

But it was a free transfer (Ashley Young), two loans (Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison) and two creative deals that saw no up front payment on their fees (Beto and Youssef Chermiti) that made up the business in the previous market.

Nothing has happened since then to reduce the need to operate on a very tight budget, with the continuing wait for an answer on the 777 takeover still rumbling on.

Were a club to come in with a huge bid for Jarrad Branthwaite or Amadou Onana then perhaps there would be scope to spend, but the Toffees are surely far more interested in keeping their stars in house throughout the window.

Space on the wage bill could be freed up if Danjuma’s ineffective move is cut short, or if squad players are sent out in search of more regular football.

But the room for manoeuvre is necessarily tight, so if Dyche is going to see the benefit of any reinforcements then Kevin Thelwell is likely to be busy finding a way to get it over the line without much of an outlay once more.

In other Everton news, Dyche wants to complete a permanent move for one attacking ace as details have emerged over his contract situation.