Everton have their eyes on a new full-back this January, a position that has been flagged as needing reinforcement for some time.
While the lack of goals is an obvious issue, Everton’s problems are not limited to just one end of the pitch.
The back line has also struggled to find any consistency. The flanks have not been helping matters much, and Everton News reported that the Toffees are still interested in addressing that area when the window opens.
Vitalii Mykolenko could also be on his way out at season’s end, with his contract set to expire. That only adds another layer of urgency for Everton heading into January.
Regarding that, transfer expert Graeme Bailey spoke to Everton News and shared some insight into their plans.
Everton keeping close eye on Thierry Small’s development at Preston
According to Everton News, the Toffees have been keeping tabs on Thierry Small’s progress this season and have liked what they have seen so far.
The club already have a presence at every Preston home game, mainly to keep an eye on Harrison Armstrong’s development.
Even David Moyes himself has attended matches at Deepdale to watch Armstrong in action.
The Toffees keep tabs on former academy players, and Small is one of them. He left Everton at 17 when Rafael Benitez was in charge, turning down a professional deal because he did not see a clear path to the first team.
He had just one appearance for Southampton before loan spells with Port Vale and St Mirren. After that, he joined Charlton before moving to Preston last summer.
Small is still only 21, but already has over 100 first-team appearances. His form with Preston even earned him a call-up to the England Under-21 squad.
Everton News reported that Everton are taking notice of his performances, especially given their ongoing issues at left-back.
Bailey revealed: “Thierry Small is a fascinating player who is having a brilliant season at Preston. He is playing for England’s Under-21s, he is standing out.
“Everton know all about him, and they are now seeing him regularly. They are looking at left-backs and I am told Small is firmly on their radar.”
Thierry Small has now featured for England U21s
Small recently made an appearance for England’s U21s against the Republic of Ireland, coming on to replace Manchester City’s Rico Lewis.
Since moving to Preston, the 21-year-old has caught the eye in the Championship under manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Pulling Small out of Deepdale during the middle of the season would not be easy, even with good ties between Everton and Preston.
Still, he is very much on Everton’s radar as they look for ways to strengthen their options at left-back.
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