Everton boss David Moyes says the club are actively seeking a right-back before the transfer window closes on Monday.
The Toffees have been quiet with their business so far, with a recall for Harrison Armstrong from Preston their only incoming.
Everton’s squad remains light, and they were dealt a bigger blow on Friday after confirming Jack Grealish will miss the rest of the season with a fractured foot.
The England international, on loan from Manchester City, will now have big question marks over his future with his latest setback.
Everton Seeking A Right-Back
Despite Grealish’s injury leaving them light, Moyes says the club are continuing to look for a new right-back – a search which is a year in the making.
Seamus Coleman is close to retiring, and Nathan Patterson has remained the only natural player in that position.
Jake O’Brien has featured at right-back on numerous occasions, but he is better suited as a central defender, while James Garner has also filled the position on a handful of occasions.
Moyes said: “I think he’s (Patterson) done okay. We’ve been actively looking for a right-back for over a year, but I think Patto, when he’s come in, hasn’t let us down, so we hope he continues to improve and keep going.”
Moyes Pessimistic Over January Arrival
Moyes remains adamant that the club are actively trying to sign players, but time is running out before the window shuts on Monday at 7pm.
A new wideman to replace Grealish remains a position of interest, with the club previously linked with Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas.
Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor has also been a target, but Thierno Barry’s recent form in front of goal may mean Moyes would rather strengthen other areas of his squad.
He said: “I’d like to say we’re out there looking. I think I’ve said in every press conference you’ve asked us, we’re certainly looking.
“It’s not like we’re shying away from it. I would say it’s probably less likely than likely.
“I think in January you can find players, so it’s not to say that you can’t get it, but I think we’re seeing this window becoming quite a difficult one for a lot of teams.”
When asked about any potential outgoings, Moyes refused to rule out a transfer for at least one of his players.
“People might (leave)”, he added. “But at the moment, we’re not planning to, but they may well do.”
