Everton upgraded their midfield significantly during the summer, but links to Real Madrid star Isco are not going anywhere as we head ever closer to the January window.
With the 2020/21 season having begun later than usual, there is perhaps more importance placed on the January transfer market, with any signings having more league matches in which they could make an impact before the end of the campaign.
And Isco is not the only player who is reportedly on Everton's shortlist.
These are your Thursday Everton transfer rumours rated.
Isco boost
Who?
Real Madrid number 10 Isco, who, like James Rodriguez, has fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane, but is still a hugely talented player.
What?
According to Calciomercato, Isco has refused a move to Juventus, even though he still wants to move away from La Liga.
Real Madrid are willing to part ways with the 28-year-old Spaniard, who has also been linked with Arsenal and previously Man City.
The Spanish giants are said to be expecting a bid in the region of €20million.
Striker available on the cheap
Who?
Felipe Caicedo, the 31-year-old Ecuadorian who used to play for Man City and is now at Lazio in Serie A.
What?
Citta Celeste (via HITC) reports Caicedo is sick of being a ‘super-sub’ and therefore wants to move on in January.
However, while he has to compete with Ciro Immobile for Lazio, he would have to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park.
So really, he could just be swapping one bench for another...
Samuel Umtiti bid
Who?
Samuel Umtiti, the Barcelona centre-back.
What?
Everton have been told they can sign Barcelona defender Umtiti for about £10m in January regardless of his huge release clause.
A report in the Daily Mail claims the La Liga giants are eager to remove the French international’s wages from their payroll, so could let him leave in the mid-season transfer window.
Umtiti joined the Catalan outfit in 2016 from Lyon but is yet to feature for Ronald Koeman’s side in La Liga this year.
Marcel Brands latest
Who?
Everton's sporting director.
What?
Brands is expected to sign a new contract with Everton to stay on as the club’s director of football despite being linked with a move to Manchester United, according to The Athletic.
Manchester United are claimed to be keener on appointing a technical director who has had a history with the club, with Edwin van der Sar, who does a similar role at Ajax, another name to have popped up.
