Everton's spending under Carlo Ancelotti looks set to continue this January and it seems as if a new wide man is in order...

What's the word?

According to Spanish newspaper La Razon, the Toffees are one of several top-flight teams eyeing a move for rising Villarreal star, Samuel Chukwueze.

It's claimed that the 21-year-old has a massive €80m (£71.5m) release clause, though CIES Football Observatory currently rate his value at just €50m (£45m).

Much of Europe's elite appear to be in for his signature too with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all mooted with interest.

Shades of Robben?

Ancelotti's need for a new winger is evidently clear as he's been deploying Colombian no.10, James Rodriguez, on the right-flank over the likes of Bernard and Alex Iwobi.

Last season, the pair combined for just four goals and two assists, which simply isn't good enough.

Whilst his faith in young academy graduate Anthony Gordon has wavered since his breakthrough post-lockdown. Perhaps the Italian is going to forget about his progress if he can clinch a deal for Chukwueze.

It's easy to see why he'd be keen to do so as the Nigerian international has been likened to one of Ancelotti's former stars, Arjen Robben. This is due to his speed, skill and his wand of a left foot, as a right-winger, he's almost his exact prototype.

In Europe this season alone, the young sensation has been averaging a whopping four dribbles and 3.5 shots per game whilst in all competitions, he has provided three goals, via WhoScored.

Perhaps it is no surprise to see many wax lyrical about his abilities.

Ex-Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has lauded the Villarreal dynamo as an "incredible player" whilst La Liga ambassador Mutiu Adepoju once claimed that "he's going to explode if he continues that way," also dubbing him "exciting" in an interview earlier this year.

Marcel Brands must deliver Chukwueze in 2021 if he's to truly upgrade Ancelotti's wing options.

AND in other news, Forget Isco: Everton should land this ex-Liverpool FLOP...