Everton could be set for a busy January transfer window, but they are already being steered away by one of their rumoured targets by Roy Keane.
Injuries over recent weeks have exposed Everton’s flaws with their lack of squad depth despite the positive work over the summer.
David Moyes was handed nine new signings in the summer window, but a lot of players departed the club as free agents.
There are three big areas for improvement next month: right-back, midfield and up front.
The need to add in the middle of the park has only been emphasised after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall suffered a hamstring injury.
It is not yet known how long he could be missing for, but Keane has issued a warning to Everton over one player the Blues are believed to be eyeing in January.
Roy Keane issues Kobbie Mainoo warning to Everton
Ahead of the game on Saturday, Keane is expecting Everton to lose to Arsenal amid their ongoing injury crisis.
January additions are going to be needed and it has been suggested that Everton will consider a loan move for Kobbie Mainoo.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former Manchester United captain unleashed a scathing rant directed at the 20-year-old midfielder.
Pundits are divided on him, but what are your thoughts on Everton-linked Kobbie Mainoo? 🤨
“I know I might be nitpicking at stuff here, but I’m just picking up traits of the footballer and not long afterwards [his debut] he did a load of photographs as a model,” said Keane.
“Now, I know a lot of players done that with us, Becks [David Beckham] done it, but Becks was doing it after 100 games. [Ryan] Giggs too. They weren’t doing it after six, seven, 10 games.
“So, these are just little things I’m picking up thinking: ‘you’ve got a lot to do yet, pal’.”
It is a game of opinions after all and Paul Scholes has hailed Mainoo as Zidane-like on the back of his early showings for the Red Devils.
The 20-year-old has barely played any football this season; Keane is adamant that there is a reason behind this.
Everton have shown they can help players return to their best form, but there are clear concerns coming from the Irishman.
Everton would need to include buy option for Mainoo
It has been suggested that Man United would prefer to loan Mainoo to a foreign side if he does move on in January.
This does not mean that Everton could not twist their arm, but Everton would also need a deal that would suit them in the long-term.
You can only pick one in January, who are you taking? 🤔
Clearly, Everton are in need of some midfield additions, but that should not come at the cost of the long-term vision on Merseyside.
Everton could recall Harrison Armstrong from Preston North End in January if their options in the market became so limited.
As much potential as Mainoo has, Fabrizio Romano has claimed Everton are not desperate, and surely the Friedkins will not just want a short-term boost without any long-term gain in a straight loan.
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