Everton may have just been handed a real boost ahead of the final days of the winter transfer market on Wednesday night.
The wait goes on at Everton for the first winter signing to walk through the doors at Finch Farm.
David Moyes’ patience has been tested this month and any deals will now go down to the final days of the market.
There is a clear demand for a new striker as Everton have been linked with Jhon Duran in recent hours.
Signing a Jack Grealish replacement is more important now… 🤔
The list of potential striker additions continues to grow, but there is one other striker whose future at his current club may have just become even more uncertain.
January is a window of opportunity for clubs and this may be one that Everton could pounce on.
Everton handed Ricardo Pepi transfer boost after recent development
Ricardo Pepi is a striker on Everton’s radar this month following an impressive campaign with PSV Eindhoven so far.
However, the American forward will now have an interesting decision to make on the back of what happened on Wednesday evening.
The final round of Champions League league phase games took place as PSV were eliminated from the competition.
Everton are interested in PSV striker Ricardo Pepi, would he replace Thierno Barry straight away? 👀
Being dumped out of the Champions League will now leave both PSV and Pepi with a big decision to make.
The Eredivisie side may now be forced into recouping some of the money lost out on by failing to advance to the Round of 16.
And Pepi will now potentially be considering whether there are better options out there for him, with PSV now out of Europe.
Fulham have been pushing to sign Pepi this month having already submitted a £27m bid.
Everton must boost their own European dreams
Some fans may be sick of hearing the word Europe, but it is still a distinct possibility for the Blues finishing in those spots this season.
English sides continue to dominate in the European competitions, which could open up more qualification places for the Premier League.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 8 |  BrentfordBrentford | 23 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 35 | 32 | 3 | 33 |
| 9 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 23 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 32 | 29 | 3 | 33 |
| 10 |  EvertonEverton | 23 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 25 | 26 | -1 | 33 |
| 11 |  SunderlandSunderland | 23 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 24 | 26 | -2 | 33 |
| 12 |  BrightonBrighton | 23 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 33 | 31 | 2 | 30 |
Moyes has set Everton the target of Europe this season as the Toffees only remain a matter of points off the pace.
Despite the recent poor form, Everton are entering February still right in the mix to make a push in the remaining months of the season.
However, it is clear that improvements to the squad’s quality and depth will be needed to put together some consistent form in the league.
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