The transfer deadline has only a few hours left, and Everton are reportedly receiving interest regarding two of their players, with the possibility of one or both going out on loan.
The first of the players is Dwight McNeil, who may have an opportunity to join Sean Dyche for a third time, as Nottingham Forest have reportedly reached out to Everton about bringing the winger in on loan before the window closes.
Everton's concern is hurting the already razor-thin depth in the squad, even with players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite, Charly Alcaraz, and Tim Iroegbunam recently returning from injury, and Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye back from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Missing Jack Grealish opens up chances for McNeil to play if he stays, although completing a move for Chelsea starlet Tyrique George may change the calculus on that a little bit for the Toffees.
Moving on from McNeil feels like it would be good for both the player and Everton, as it would open up opportunities for George, if he comes, and summer signing Tyler Dibling, both set to turn 20 within the next month. The move would also allow McNeil to rejoin forces with Dyche, the manager who has appreciated him the most in his career.
The move may be tricky, but it can't be ruled out even at this late juncture. Crystal Palace may also be involved in McNeil.
The second move centers on right back Nathan Patterson, a player who has been better of late, but has mostly seen his Everton career flounder since joining in January 2021.
Genoa have expressed interest in bringing Patterson in on loan until the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano, but the Italian club want to move on from Brooke Norton-Cuffy first to allow Patterson a place to slot into their side.
This seems less tricky than the McNeil move, as the two sides could simply swap out the two players, maybe exchange a little cash as well, and call it a day. Both players get a change of scenery, and Everton can bring in a player to cover at right back.
Of course, this assumes that Everton are even interested in Norton-Cuffy, but it might be a way to get the job done if moving Patterson is important for the Toffees at this point.
With just hours remaining, these are among the moves to watch out for as the deadline looms.