New midfielders appear to be very much on the wish list for David Moyes when the January transfer window opens, as he faces some uncertainty surrounding his current options in the centre of the pitch.
This might be a little surprising to some Everton supporters, given that the obvious and glaring area of the side that needs improving in the New Year window is surely the striking position.
The Toffees have found it very difficult to score enough goals this season, despite the much-improved quality of the team's overall attacking play with the addition of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and the continued excellence of Illman Ndiaye.
Between them, centre-forwards Beto and Thierno Barry have managed only a single goal in the Premier League so far and do not look likely to add to that meagre tally anytime soon.
Therefore, a new striker must be the number one priority if the Blues are to spend any money in the New Year. But there are also reasons why Moyes could be looking at midfielders, too.
Idrissa Gueye is due to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations soon, and his absence will leave a big hole in Everton's engine room.
Gueye has been instrumental again in screening the side's defence and, despite his age, continues to be among the best midfield ball-winners in the Premier League.
Apart from the Senegal international, the Toffees have only got James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam who can theoretically replace the veteran star in that number six role.
However, neither is an exact replica in terms of their strengths, and Garner has also been filling in at right-back. At the same time, Iroegbunam has not started regularly and does not appear to have his manager's confidence.
On top of this, there are repeated stories that claim several clubs are eyeing a possible move for Garner as his contract runs out in the summer, and so far, he has not been offered a new one.
So, rumours have begun to emerge that Everton are looking to sign another midfielder, with several names circulating in the media.
The latest one to be added to a growing list is West Ham's James Ward-Prowse. The former Southampton and England midfielder is out of favour under manager Nuno Espirito-Santo and could well be available in January.
As with Scott McTominay, a move for the 31-year-old really does not make much sense. He has not been in good form for a while now, which is why he is not starting at the moment.
Additionally, he is not primarily a ball-winner, which would presumably be the main priority for any new player coming through the doors at Finch Farm.