Everton scouts were out in Europe on Wednesday evening taking in some Champions League action, and a Jarrad Branthwaite alternative may have been on the radar.
The January transfer window is creeping up on Premier League sides with clubs like Everton dealing with some serious injury issues.
Branthwaite has now undergone successful hamstring surgery, but the length of his rehabilitation has not been disclosed just yet.
Everton News understands that David Moyes wants Everton to sign a striker when the January transfer window opens for business.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 10 |  BrightonBrighton | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| 11 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 12 |
| 12 |  EvertonEverton | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 11 |
| 13 |  BrentfordBrentford | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 12 | -1 | 10 |
| 14 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 9 |
Despite a busy summer window, there are still areas in which the Toffees will identify as positions to improve.
With scouts sent out in Europe on Wednesday, there may be one summer target who has remained on the radar following the uncertainties around Branthwaite’s return.
Everton scouts watch Galatasaray in Champions League action
Moyes was watching Everton loanee Harrison Armstrong on Tuesday evening for the Championship outfit Preston North End.
But the club also had representatives out in Turkey where they watched Galatasaray vs Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.
According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Everton were one of numerous clubs in attendance watching the Turkish giants in action.
Alongside the Blues, there were also scouts from the follow:
- Wolves
- AS Roma
- Napoli
- VfB Stuttgart
There were no specific names linked to the Toffees, but Everton have shown interest in Davinson Sanchez as recently as the summer.
With Premier League experience from his time in north London with Tottenham Hotspur, he could well have been a name on the agenda.
Sanchez played the game from the start as Everton may well be considering some options following the unexpected Branthwaite setback.
Davinson Sanchez dominates in Champions League showing
It was previously suggested that Sanchez would be open to a Premier League return if a club like Everton were to make their move.
With over three years still on his contract, it may prove difficult to prise the Colombia international away from Istanbul midway through the season, though.
The 29-year-old did impress on Wednesday evening against a Bodo side that has provided Tottenham issues in recent weeks.
- 90 minutes played
- 3/3 tackles won
- 5 recoveries
- 8 clearances
- 52/54 successful passes
- 3/4 aerial duels won
Everton do have defensive cover at centre-back to cope without Branthwaite, but another injury would certainly stretch their options.
Michael Keane has earned praise from Sean Dyche for how he has started this season in an Everton shirt.
But there may be some concerns over a lack of rotation if Branthwaite is going to miss a significant stretch of the season.
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