Alan Myers names which deal is ‘one to watch’ for Everton fans before deadline day: ‘Huge potential’
David Moyes is desperate to add quality to his Everton squad in January.
Everton beat Aston Villa 1-0 on Sunday, and the Toffees now sit just three points off fifth-placed Man United in the Premier League.
Achieving European football next season is a real possibility, and Moyes knows that he has several gaps in his squad to address.
A new striker has emerged as a priority for Everton, with Youssef En-Nesyri on the radar of the Blues.
Alan Myers has also highlighted the need to sign a natural right-back before the transfer deadline on 2 February, with things starting to progress already.
Alan Myers begs Everton to pursue Ryan Alebiosu
Everton have been linked with Yukhym Konoplya, although they may be forced to turn their attention elsewhere as it looks unlikely that they’ll be able to sign him before the summer.
Writing for Everton News, Myers believes that Blackburn right-back Ryan Alebiosu would be a brilliant alternative.
He said: “I like the look of the Blackburn defender Alebiosu. The club has been linked, I believe he has huge potential and is one to watch over the remainder of the January window.
“However, the message remains from me: a striker, please. There’s a European spot up for grabs, why not try and get one?”
Everton have already shown interest in Alebiosu, but a deal could be hard to negotiate for the 24-year-old at Ewood Park.
The Nigerian defender signed a three-year contract at Blackburn in the summer, and he is currently valued at £4million.
The Toffees can comfortably afford it, but Blackburn will undoubtedly drive a hard bargain as they won’t want to see one of their key players leave mid-season.
How good has Alebiosu been for Blackburn this season?
After being released by Arsenal’s academy in 2022, he enjoyed spells at Belgian side Kortrijk and Scottish side St. Mirren before moving to the Championship side in the summer.
Alebiosu made his debut for Nigeria against Uganda at AFCON, and it caps off his remarkable rise in the last few years.
| Stat | Alebiosu |
| Tackles | 47 |
| Ground duels won | 50.7% |
| Aerial duels won | 30.3% |
| Interceptions | 17 |
An attacking full-back by trade, he has created 24 chances and registered 22 crosses this campaign, according to Sofascore.
The Toffees definitely need more threat down their right-hand side, given the fact that Jake O’Brien has been much more defensive playing in the unorthodox position.
Alebiosu may need time to adapt, but he has all the qualities of someone who could be a very promising addition to Everton’s backline.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.