Everton can form a scary duo in the January transfer window after being linked with a move for Derby County midfielder Jason Knight.

With the Rams currently in financial turmoil, it’s highly likely that Rafael Benitez's charges could seal a bargain deal for the £5.4m-rated maestro if they can convince him to move to Merseyside.

Derby's administrators recently revealed that they’re hoping to have completed the sale of the club by late January, although they’ve refused to rule out selling some of the most talented players in Wayne Rooney’s first-team squad over the winter window.

That raises the prospect of Knight departing Pride Park over the coming weeks, with the 20-year-old being one of Derby’s most promising prospects.

As a result, a host of Premier League clubs are believed to be circling for the Republic of Ireland international, including West Ham United, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Leeds United, Burnley and Newcastle United, according to Football League World.

Benitez can form a scary duo

If Benitez can convince the highly-rated Knight to join his revolution at Everton, beating off the extensive competition for his signature, then the 61-year-old could form a scary duo in midfield.

Earlier this year, Manchester United legend Rooney dubbed the Derby academy graduate a “manager’s dream” who “gives everything,” and his presence in the Toffees' engine room would be warmly welcomed.

Current Everton midfielder Allan has racked up more than 400 appearances throughout his career for club and country, with the 30-year-old enjoying success with Udinese, Napoli and Vasco da Gama before his switch to England.

The Brazil international has become renowned for his dribbling skills, tough tackling and positional intelligence throughout his career, assets which would compliment Knight perfectly.

After making his senior debut back in 2019, the 5 foot 6 dynamo has gone to score 11 goals and provide three assists in 94 appearances for the Midlands outfit, firmly establishing himself in the starting XI.

Knight's surprising ability in the air, leadership qualities, ability to retain possession and youthful energy could see him strike up a formidable partnership alongside the experienced Allan.

Whether Everton follow up their apparent interest with a formal offer remains to be seen, but it's a move that Benitez should carefully consider in the weeks ahead.

In other news... Benitez can seal big Everton coup by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated gem, he’s “incredible”