Everton have reportedly already decided on how to reinvest the money earned from this January transfer window...

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According to Fabrizio Romano, that plan is to spend it all instantly to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.

Despite a striker and a winger seeming like the priority for the majority of the month, it seems Sean Dyche's arrival has spurred a change of heart for the Toffees, who now seek goals to come from their midfield instead.

The transfer expert wrote on Twitter: "EXCL: Everton have submitted a bid to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. It’s £40m proposal plus £5m add ons. Chelsea will make a decision soon as there are also other clubs interested in Gallagher — and player has to decide his future too."

Given it was only yesterday that they confirmed the £45m sale of Anthony Gordon, this does seem a perplexing way to spend those precious funds.

Imagine him & Onana

Whilst it may cause confusion, there is no doubt that Gallagher would be a success at Everton. The only question is whether he is what they need now.

He would certainly thrive in a Dyche system, especially as the midfielder expected to make late runs into the box off the strikers, but would only be allowed to do this if he had a dependable foundation behind him.

Luckily for him, he'd be joining a team with Amadou Onana in the engine room.

The 21-year-old has been one of the few success stories in an otherwise bleak campaign for the Blues, offering a defensive security in the midfield that has seen him draw interest from title-chasing Arsenal and Chelsea.

Averaging an 85% pass accuracy, Onana utilises his huge frame to perfection, stretching his huge legs around the opposition to make 2.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

During Gallagher's standout campaign for Crystal Palace, he was supplemented by the exploits of Cheikhou Kouyate alongside him in midfield. Indeed, Onana would only serve as an upgrade to this Senegalese stopper.

He allowed the 22-year-old to score eight times and assist a further three as the Eagles reached an FA Cup semi-final and finished comfortably in mid-table despite doubts hanging over Patrick Vieira's ability as a manager.

Coincidentally, this campaign saw him score more senior goals than Gordon has managed across his entire career.

Having struggled since his return to Stamford Bridge, it is clear that Gallagher thrives off being the underdog, and the big fish in a small pond. He is a pressing monster, and as such ranks in the top 8% for blocks made per 90 when compared to other midfielders across Europe.

Such is his tireless attitude, he led former professional footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa to tweet that the £50k-per-week runner has "got some engine", and that he was "tired just watching him."

This is the output Dyche will demand from his team now, and Gallagher could set the benchmark alongside Onana's defensive efficiency.