Everton will be expected to go into the transfer window with conviction over the next couple of weeks, as they have been, surprisingly, one of the most underperforming teams in the Premier League with only five wins and five draws from their last 17 fixtures this season so far.

The Toffees have been linked to a number of players over the last few months, but there was one signing in particular that was picked up by transfer insider, Fabrizio Romano, and the deal seems to be almost done.

What's the word?

Ukrainian left back, Vitaliy Mykolenko is set to join Everton in January according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted out a transfer claim two weeks ago.

"EXCL: Ukraine left back Vitaliy Mykolenko is currently undergoing his medical as new Everton player, here we go! #EFC"

"He’s set to join Everton from Dynamo Kiev on a permanent move, final price around €21/23m. Personal terms agreed."

Now Russian news outlet, YHAH, has claimed the full back is set to earn a 'dizzying sum' to join the Toffees on Merseyside in the New Year, with the report stating that the Dynamo Kyiv star will earn seven times his current salary at the Ukrainian club.

The report suggests that Mykolenko earns $50K a month currently, with a move to Everton improving his financial situation astronomically, as it is reported he will earn around £58K per week when and if he joins in the next few weeks.

Former Ukraine head coach Myron Markevych has heaped praised on the 22 year old speaking on the defender's "desire to improve" in an interview quoted by the Liverpool Echo;

“By his dedication, his desire to improve, Vitaliy Mykolenko deserved such a challenge in his career. It’s really a real challenge for the 22-year-old, who has proven with his quality play recently at all levels that he is ready to test his capabilities in the world’s strongest soccer league.”

Bye Bye Digne

The signing of the Ukrainian international would only confirm further that Rafa Benitez has plans for current left back, Lucas Digne, to leave the club during the upcoming transfer window, with rumours already linking the Frenchman away from the club.

It would appear that making such a signing, with such a generous wage offering would only mean that the Spanish manager feel his differences with Digne as irreparable, which would surely leave fans gutted to see the Everton star leave after over three years and 127 appearances for the club.

It would clearly be an unpopular decision to let go of the full back, however, Benitez has come good with his signings so far for the Toffees, with both Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray joining the club during the manager's reign, who also both happen to be the joint top goal scorers for the club right now.

In other news: Rafa must avoid losing Calvert-Lewin in the transfer window