Everton set for ‘busy final few days’ of January transfer window after ‘high priority’ Florentino Luis approach
Everton are set for a “busy final few days” of the January transfer window after having their approach for Florentino Luis turned away, according to Graeme Bailey.
The HITC journalist reported via the outlet’s website on 30 January that defensive midfielder has emerged as a “high priority” for the Toffees and the Benfica man is there chosen target.
But after attempting to agree a loan-to-buy deal for the 24-year-old they have been knocked back by the Portuguese giants who don’t want to let the “highly-rated” player leave.
Nonetheless Sean Dyche has been tipped for an active end to the window as he looks to “add depth and quality” to the squad in a bid to stave off Premier League relegation.
Hands tied
Without a meaningful transfer budget it is going to be very difficult for Everton to bring in much of either before the deadline, and any loan deals will need either Jack Harrison, or more likely Arnaut Danjuma, to leave.
Defensive midfield, for now at least, is one place where the Toffees look to be pretty well covered, with Idrissa Gana Gueye, Amadou Onana and even James Garner able to feature there.
Andre Gomes has also re-emerged as a factor this season, although his fitness issues are always a concern so his availability is patchy at best.
The threat of a second points deduction has made the already-false position in the top flight, just outside the relegation zone after 10 points were removed for a profit and sustainability breach, even more precarious.
Any outcome is pending appeals but Dyche will know that he has his work cut out to build up enough leeway to avoid the drop outright, as well as a possible further sanction after the final day of the season.
Options are clearly limited before the 1 February deadline but it appears like a push is being made to bring at least one new name in if at all possible, although Luis looks like he won’t be the one at this stage.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are now chasing a last-gasp move for an attacking ace who is available before the deadline.
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