Everton open to right-back move in January

Everton are in the market to sign a right-back in the January transfer window in a position where they have injuries, ageing players and makeshift options filling in.

The Toffees have shown signs of progress and they are content with the current squad, although they are aware a right-sided addition could help.

Usual starter Seamus Coleman, 37, has been injured and started just once, while Nathan Patterson, who has also had fitness problems, has not featured at all in the Premier League.

Centre-back Jake O'Brien has since come in and started the majority of the matches, with midfielder James Garner also filling in on a temporary basis.

However, there is a keenness to get Garner playing solely in midfield amid his own excellent run of form.

Everton's ability to cope with issues at right-back mean that they will only make a move if a perfect option becomes available and otherwise there is a willingness to wait until the summer of 2026. Vitinho, from Brazilian club Botafogo, is among those who have been linked with a January move.

Everton have won four of their last five matches and are currently seventh in the Premier League and making a surprise European push.

Manager David Moyes has reiterated his desire in recent weeks to make a real effort to qualify for Europe, while insisting his side remain outsiders.

He said: "This club should be challenging for Europe or be in Europe. But I think people need to give us time and understand how bad it's been in the past few years. I'm going for it and so are the players. Our aim is to try to do that. The players know that."