Everton have had a promising start to their reign under Rafa Benitez.
They have lost just one league match this term and look in good touch despite spending just £1.7m in the summer transfer window.
However, plans are already underway to improve their ranks in January.
One player that’s been on the Everton radar for a while now is Alessio Romagnoli. The AC Milan star was the subject of £17m interest earlier this year but now it looks as though he’ll be available on a free transfer next year.
Romagnoli's contract expires next summer and thus, could open talks with a new club in the winter market.
Reports from Italy claim that the Toffees are one of the club’s hoping to strike an agreement with the 26-year-old.
On the chalkboard
One of the biggest problems for Everton this season has been the defensive organisation.
They have kept just a solitary clean sheet in all competitions with mistakes plaguing their campaign.
Michael Keane was the chief suspect in the opening weeks, failing to pick up his marker as Huddersfield scored in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
He was also at fault against Leeds when he was too slow to turn which allowed Patrick Bamford to supply a goal for Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
The returning Ben Godfrey has also been disappointing. He gave Leon Bailey the freedom of the Midlands last Saturday as he was dragged across and vacated his right-back position.
Bailey subsequently latched onto a ball over the top and thundered the ball home to complete a 3-0 loss for Benitez.
Therefore, signing Romagnoli in January or beyond has suddenly become a lot more appealing.
Reports from Football Insider have already stated that Everton are keen on securing a world-class centre-back in January and the Italian could be their man.
Speaking about him a few years ago, Milan legend Paolo Maldini said: “He is one of the best ever, he is already at the national team. He must have well precise objectives. It's a growth process. Milan of the last few years did not help Alessio but we now hope that he will help us return Milan back."
The £22.5m-rated talent has since become the captain of his club, making leadership one of his key skills. That’s one attribute that really sets him apart from other defensive targets for Benitez.
Furthermore, he is an extremely assured passer. In 2019/20, he completed 90.7% while in 2020/21 he was successful with 89.6% of his passes.
Importantly, he is also extremely competent in the air. Last term Romagnoli won 2.5 aerial duels per game, numbers that usurp both Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate from a centre-back perspective.
This is certainly a move that makes sense, especially if they can land him on a free.