Everton news round-up: Player swap deal possible as Vitinho transfer on cards
Everton could be set for a busy January transfer window as David Moyes looks to reinforce his squad for the second half of the campaign.
Moyes‘ side were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea on Saturday, with goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto condemning Everton to yet another defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Despite defeat, the Toffees are only two points behind fifth-place Crystal Palace in the Premier League, but they are clearly lacking that cutting edge at the top end of the pitch.
Here, Goodison News wraps up all the biggest transfer stories coming out of the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the last 24 hours.
Everton eye right wing-back deal
With Seamus Coleman out injured, the Toffees have been forced to utilise Jake O’Brien at full-back once again this season.
However, Everton are now linked with Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi as they look to address their issues in that position.
El Ouahdi has reportedly rejected enquiries from the Merseyside outfit in the past due to the threat of Premier League relegation, but with Moyes’ side now up in the top half of the table, he may be willing to reconsider.
| Position | Team | Games | Points |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 16 | 26 |
| 6 | Man United | 16 | 26 |
| 7 | Liverpool | 16 | 26 |
| 8 | Sunderland | 16 | 26 |
| 9 | Everton | 16 | 24 |
The Morocco international has received interest from sides in Russia, but would prefer a move to a European club.
Everton send scouts to Denmark in search of talent
Everton have been repeatedly sending scouts to FC Midtjylland games this season, with members of the Toffees recruitment team present on eight separate occasions.
Ole Nielsen, who works for the Merseyside club, is a scout of Danish heritage and is clearly looking to use his prior knowledge to unearth some gems.
Moyes’ side have shown a particular interest in Midtjylland striker Franculino, who already has 21 goals across all competitions this season, and could be setting the foundations of a January move.
However, it has now emerged Franculino is out until March after undergoing surgery, so that may be a deal that has to wait.
Beto could be part of Everton swap deal
Beto has had a woeful season for the Toffees to date, scoring just one Premier League goal in 2025-26, and losing his place in the side to Thierno Barry.
According to reports in Italy, Everton could utilise Beto in a swap deal in order to sign Roma striker Artem Dovbyk in January.
It is still unknown whether Dovbyk would be willing to make the move to Merseyside, but the two clubs do have an existing relationship, which could improve the chances of a deal.
Everton eye Brazilian star who has set sights on World Cup
Everton are also interested in Botafogo right-back Vitinho, who reportedly wants a European move to further his career.
However, the Toffees are unlikely to get their hands on the defender in January, as he is fully focused on securing a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Vitinho, 26, could instead be a target for the summer transfer window, as Moyes’ side continue the search for a more natural right-back.
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