Everton set to battle Juventus for transfer, he could be one of The Friedkin Group’s first signings

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Everton are already looking ahead to what could be done in the January transfer market to bolster their squad.

It has been a far from convincing start for Everton in the Premier League with their latest defeat against Southampton highlighting their vulnerability.

Sean Dyche’s side are very much among the relegation battle after 10 games with only a four-point gap to 18^th-placed Ipswich Town.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
14	West HamWest Ham	10	3	2	5	13	19	-6	11
15	LeicesterLeicester	10	2	4	4	14	18	-4	10
16	EvertonEverton	10	2	3	5	10	17	-7	9
17	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	10	1	4	5	8	13	-5	7
18	IpswichIpswich	10	0	5	5	10	21	-11	5

Fortunately, there is still a lot of time for the Toffees to turn around their fortunes with some big changes on the horizon.

The Friedkin Group are close to completing their Everton takeover and could even be in through the doors ahead of the January market.

And there is one player who the Toffees have already placed on their radar as a potential upgrade during the winter window.

• READ MORE: ‘Outstanding’ manager Dan Friedkin wants to replace Sean Dyche at Everton speaks out on his future

Everton ready to battle Juventus for Tariq Lamptey

According to Africa Foot, Everton are one of the sides who are showing an interest in the Brighton & Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey.

The right-back’s contract with the Seagulls is coming to an end at the conclusion of the current campaign which means he’s set to become a free agent.

But the Toffees are eyeing a potential swoop in January as Brighton may look to cash in on their final opportunity with Lamptey.

Everton could face some serious competition if they are to land the Ghana international with Juventus also keen on signing him.

And a resolution could be found in the coming days with Brighton believed to be potentially eyeing a January sale.

• READ MORE: Everton handed big injury boost as player Lampard hailed ‘very talented’ spotted back in training

Ian Wright has previously hailed Tariq Lamptey

It has been a difficult spell for the right-back at Brighton with the early stages of his career tarnished by injuries.

Everton have their own issues at right-back with Ashley Young criticised by Jamie Carragher on the weekend for his role in Southampton’s goal.

But Lamptey is a player who could offer a potential upgrade with Ian Wright having previously hailed him as ‘fantastic’.

“You look at Tariq Lamptey, and he’s a fantastic player, a fantastic right-back. Maybe he’s getting his path into the England squad blocked,” Wright told the Premier League back in 2022.

But there may also be an interest in seeing what Nathan Patterson could do at right-back when he returns to full fitness.

Afterall, Dyche hinted towards Patterson’s position being at right-back for the future.