The January transfer window has not even opened and Everton are already facing an uphill task to sign one of their targets.
Work is going to have to be done at Finch Farm over the coming weeks as Everton are suffering from both a lack of quality and depth in certain areas.
David Moyes made no secret that more additions were needed over the summer, but there was only so much that could be done in the space of one window.
By the time deadline day had been and gone, Moyes was delighted with Everton’s transfer business with nine players signed.
Clear improvements are needed for January and Everton news columnist Alan Myers is hoping for three Everton additions at least.
However, there is one player who is already looking like a tough ask to sign in the winter market.
Everton facing Vitinho difficulties after Botafogo demand
It has already been suggested that Everton are eyeing Vitinho in January as Moyes eyes an attack-minded right-back.
This is a deal which already looks to be difficult as demands are being made behind the scenes.
According to Globo Esporte, Everton remain well within the mix to make a move for the Brazilian right-back next month.
What position do Everton need to strengthen in most, right-back or striker?
It is also claimed that Atletico Madrid have shown an interest in Vitinho, who is valued in the region of £13m.
However, there is a catch and that comes through Botafogo’s new manager Martin Anselmi demanding the board to keep Vitinho despite their openness to offers.
Carlo Ancelotti has already praised Vitinho who only joined Botafogo last year following a stint in the Premier League with Burnley.
With Atletico Madrid entering the race, the Toffees are going to have to pull out the stops if they are going to secure the defender’s signature next month.
Everton also need to improve at left-back
Ahead of the summer, Everton are receiving interest in Vitaliy Mykolenko as his contract winds down into its final months.
The Ukraine international has certainly been a solid option for Everton over recent years, but his attacking output leaves a lot to be desired.
Vitaliy Mykolenko’s contract expires in the summer, what should Everton do with him? 🤔
Offer him a new deal? Let him go for free? Sell him in January?
To be a successful Premier League side, recent seasons have shown that clubs need an attacking input from their full-backs.
Moyes has even demanded more from his full-backs this season, but he is simply not getting any quality in the final third from Mykolenko or Jake O’Brien.
Mykolenko could see Everton through until the summer without many issues, but it remains an area where Everton could really do with more quality going forward.
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