Battling Premier League rivals in the transfer market has proven a regular occurrence for Everton and that could be set to continue.
Recent results have not been kind to Everton and pushed the Toffees back into the bottom half of the table.
There have been missed opportunities for Moyes and his men to really push on in their ambitious hopes of finishing in the European places
The Friedkin Group are backing Everton in the transfer window, with Moyes admitting on Friday [9 January] that the Blues are actively looking.
A significant gap to the bottom three has been built by Everton and it is one of those struggling sides, West Ham, who may have just opened the door for Moyes in the January market.
Everton given free run at transfer after West Ham enquiry
West Ham’s struggles should be a warning to Everton as there are some growing concerns among certain fans around the recent form under Moyes.
The Hammers look an absolute mess and are staring down the barrel of Premier League relegation.
According to ESPN, Everton are one of the sides who have shown an interest in the Flamengo defender Leo Pereira.
Who would be your dream Everton signing this month? 👀
Another report from Meia Hora has already claimed West Ham have recently shown an interest in Pereira, but have not acted any further after learning his release clause.
There is a belief that Pereira has a €60m (£52m) release clause in his contract in Brazil, with Flamengo comfortable over retaining the 29-year-old.
Everton are able to spend significantly under the Friedkins, who stabilised the club’s finances, but this is a huge sum of money for an area Everton are stacked with options.
Although the Toffees may have a free run at Pereira, it will surely be one which is passed on if Flamengo are unwilling to accept anything less than his release clause.
- READ MORE: David Moyes unleashes scathing rant at trio over Michael Keane’s red card appeal decision
Everton priorities lie away from centre-back in January
It does not take a genius to figure out that Moyes’ options at centre-back are being stretched due to Michael Keane’s suspension.
Moyes fumed over Keane’s red card appeal being denied, which will now likely see Jake O’Brien return to his natural position alongside James Tarkowski.
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Options may be stretched, but there is no real pressure for Everton to sign a new centre-back; it cannot be forgotten that Jarrad Branthwaite is closing in on a return.
Everton News understands that Branthwaite is nearing a return to full training, and that was confirmed on Friday during Moyes’ press conference.
Keane is going to sit the next three games out, but Everton have bigger fish to fry in the January market, with a right-back and striker surely the two biggest priorities for Angus Kinnear and co.
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