Everton have stepped up their interest in Chelsea left-back Baba Rahman and Crystal Palace flyer Patrick van Aanholt by launching further enquiries for the duo, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report in their live transfer blog (20/01, 14:57) that Sam Allardyce is keen add another left-back on loan to provide cover for first-choice Leighton Baines.
The Mail claim that the Toffees have now further enquired about the availability of Rahman and van Aanholt, both of whom could be set for moves this month.
It is said that Bundesliga outfit Schalke are in pole position to sign Chelsea’s Rahman, but Inter Milan have also expressed interest in the 23-year-old.
Crystal Palace left-back van Aanholt has struggled to nail down a first-team place at Selhurst Park this season, and could be set for a loan exit in the coming week or so.
Everton’s interest in the pair shows the club’s January signing blitz is set to continue even though they have already spent around £50million on forward pair Theo Walcott and Cenk Tosun.
Good move for Everton?
If the Toffees were able to secure a deal for either of these two players it would be good business.
Rahman has struggled to make an impact at Chelsea but impressed while on loan at Schalke last season, and would be a good addition to the Everton squad.
Netherlands international van Aanholt has had similar struggles at Palace since his move from Sunderland, but the 27-year-old remains a dangerous prospect down the left-hand side.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
At the moment it is a deal for van Aanholt that looks the most likely.
Rahman is being courted by both Schalke and Inter Milan, and Everton look to be at the back of the queue for the Ghana international.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10