Everton have been tipped to make a swoop for a rival midfielder this January, but it's a move they should absolutely avoid at all costs...

What's the word?

Speaking to Football Insider, former Villa striker-turned-pundit Kevin Phillips listed Goodison Park as a potential destination for faltering Spurs outcast Harry Winks this winter.

He said: “Someone like an Everton could be good. If they were not to get hold of Isco perhaps Winks could play there. There will be a queue of teams looking to sign Harry Winks if he became available."

It comes just days after the England midfielder admitted to Sky Sports that his situation in north London was "difficult at the moment" as he's not starting enough matches ahead of Euro 2020.

Unforgivable mistake?

If the Toffees can't secure Isco, then they absolutely shouldn't be looking at Winks to fulfil some sort of creative void as he's firstly, just not that player whatsoever, and secondly, isn't likely to be an improvement on say a Tom Davies.

The 24-year-old has played just four Premier League matches this season and has never averaged above 0.6 key passes per game in the top-flight throughout his Spurs career. In fact, he has only assisted two goals ever.

That's hardly an inspiration that he can be a viable alternative for the playmaking Isco.

Winks may wear the number eight shirt for Spurs but in reality, no one knows what his true midfield position is - is it that no.8 role or is it more as a no.6? This all too similar to that of Davies.

None of the Englishman's figures across the course of his professional career stand out. At least the Evertonian graduate has contributed to 12 goals in fewer senior appearances.

The €40m-rated (£36m) international, who earns a whopping £75k-per-week in N17, was once dubbed "perfect" by Mauricio Pochettino amid comparisons to Xavi and Andres Iniesta but at this rate, he's more like to be another Tom Carroll or Tom Huddlestone.

His passenger-like displays in recent months certainly hint towards that being the case.

Marcel Brands should avoid listening to Phillips with every fibre of his being unless he wants to head towards an absolutely unforgivable financial nightmare.

AND in other news, Excitement over £21m Everton signing overstated, claims Gabby Agbonlahor...