Everton are languishing towards the foot of the Premier League table heading into the busy festive period.
The Toffees suffered a 4-0 defeat to Manchester United on the weekend and failed to score for the fourth game in a row.
That leaves Sean Dyche’s men in 17th place ahead of Wednesday’s clash against relegation rivals Wolves.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  LeicesterLeicester | 14 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 19 | 28 | -9 | 13 |
| 16 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 14 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 18 | -6 | 12 |
| 17 |  EvertonEverton | 13 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 21 | -11 | 11 |
| 18 |  WolvesWolves | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 22 | 32 | -10 | 9 |
| 19 |  IpswichIpswich | 14 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 25 | -12 | 9 |
Clearly, Dyche needs attacking reinforcements at Everton in January as there’s little quality at the top end of the pitch.
Many hoped Dele Alli would be able to make an impact upon his return from injury but he remains on the sidelines.
Speaking in Tuesday’s press conference, Dyche has now been able to issue an update on Dele.
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Sean Dyche reveals Dele Alli set back
Dele Alli has been training with Everton despite his contract expiring in the summer.
It’s believed Dele has been told that he will be rewarded with a new deal if he can prove his fitness to Dyche and his coaches.
However, unfortunately, the 28-year-old has suffered a number of set backs and now Dyche has revealed what his current status is.
“Dele has had a minor thing but he’s just taking a time out because obviously he’s had a few now and he’s just peed off with it. So, we’re just monitoring that at the minute,” the Everton boss revealed, via the Liverpool Echo.
“He’s abroad at the minute but working. It’s just a break from coming in, you know what it’s like, it grips you then, so we said: ‘Yeah, yeah, of course’.”
Everton must dip into January window for creative midfielder
With Dele sidelined, the need for a creative midfielder to operate in between the lines is evident.
Dwight McNeil has played well in that role at times but he’s a winger by trade whilst Iliman Ndiaye only seems to be fancied off the left.
So it’s imperative for Everton to dip into the January transfer window and sign a specialist number 10 to help solve their goalscoring woes.
Perhaps they should look at Manchester City’s James McAtee, who could be available for a fee in the region fo £20m.
Championship outfit Leeds United are showing an interest in McAtee at the moment.
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