Everton desperately need reinforcements in the January transfer window but may not be able to afford any, Tam McManus has claimed.

What's the word?

Frank Lampard's side currently sit in 18th place and are in serious danger of a first-ever relegation from the Premier League.

They have scored just 14 times in 18 games, and strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay have scored just two league goals between them.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Hibs striker McManus lambasted Everton's recent recruitment, claiming that the lack of available funds in January could hit them hard.

“I mean, have they got money to spend?

“They spent big in the summer and none of the signings have been that good. Tarkowski has been decent and he’s the one who didn’t cost anything.

“They have spent so much money in the last few years and they are spending a fortune on this stadium. I really do wonder if they have room to operate in this window.

“That’s what they need, fresh faces. New players who can come in and grab this team by the scruff of the neck.

“More than anything is that they need someone who can stick the ball in the back of the net. Calvert-Lewin’s fitness is questionable and Maupay can’t score.

“A defence will keep you up but you have to be efficient at the other end of the pitch. They need a striker but I just don’t think they can afford one.

“They don’t have anyone worth selling, either. It’s a complete mess.

“It will be a huge blow if they don’t get anyone.”

Outsmart the market

If Everton cannot afford to bring in any permanent signings in the January window, they will need to extensively scout the free agent and loan market.

Recruitments are a must, particularly in attacking areas, and if they do not add more goals to the side, they could be in serious trouble.

With Alex Iwobi also picking up an injury, they may also need an injection of creativity before their season spirals out of control, but with limited funds, this could prove difficult.

Everton's recruitment has been below-par for years, as they have spent excessive amounts of money on players who ultimately failed to shine at Goodison Park, and when they have profited off the likes of Richarlison and Lucas Digne, they have not reinvested the money well, as the club have failed to kick on without them.