This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Everton are reportedly set to go back into the market for a young centre-back after missing out on Kurt Zouma in the recent summer window.

What's the word?

Reports from Football Insider have claimed that Everton are set to resume their search for a centre-back after they couldn't re-sign the Frenchman on a permanent basis.

However, Marco Silva will be targeting a young player rather than a senior one.

Given the impressive form of Mason Holgate, it is believed that Silva is no longer eyeing an experienced head at the back, but rather seeks a younger player in this position.

Never hurts to buy young

The Toffees have struggled at the back this season and their slight defensive woes have forced them into an early relegation scrap. The likes of Michael Keane have not been at the races, which should force Silva to buy, as it leaves him with just two other centre-backs.

[ad_pod ]

With Keane out the side, Yerry Mina and Holgate remain the only two men at the back.

Now, Marcel Brands and the coaching staff should seriously consider buying young to have another defender with them for years to come.

Holgate is only 23, and if Silva is going to want to build for the future at Goodison Park, he is going to need more young, promising centre-backs in his backline.

The Blues must rocket up the Premier League soon, as their six-point cushion on the drop zone could be gone very quickly during the hectic winter period.

Buying a young centre-back in January could help them in their endeavour to push into the top six.