This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Ex-Everton star Michael Ball believes his former side must delve into the transfer market in the winter window.

What did he say?

Everton's struggles are still clear in the Premier League, as the club sit in 15th just six points above the relegation zone. As a result, Marco Silva has been under pressure for most of this campaign and will surely be hoping for more firepower in January.

And according to Ball, both he and the supporters would like to see some new recruits following the turn of the year.

The former full-back wrote for the Liverpool Echo: "Thoughts are already turning to the New Year and I hope we do see some new recruits in the January transfer window.

"Even as a player, I've always liked new faces coming in.

"Unfortunately this time last year we were that far off, there was no point of delving into the January transfer window but I feel that if we do well in our run of games in December and we end up there or thereabouts for sixth place then, I think it's got to be the only option for Everton.

"I don't care if Marcel Brands is a fan of it or not, it's what the fans would want to see."

Clear need for reinforcements

Everton have not been shy in splashing the cash since Farhad Moshiri came in and the club now have the resources to bring in more players. Down the years, the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison have been brought in for £48m and £50m respectively.

Now, Moshiri and Silva must discuss who they can bring in during the January window if they want to move into the higher reaches of the table.

Across the pitch, Everton fans have witnessed star names struggle to pull their weight. Players such as Michael Keane have been pushed out the side for relatively inexperienced players such as Mason Holgate, whilst Morgan Schneiderlin have averaged a dismal 6.16 rating.

There are also injury concerns to deal with that perhaps suggest reinforcements are required in certain areas. Sadly for Silva, Andre Gomes is set for a long spell on the sidelines and Jean-Philippe Gbamin still can't seem to shake of his injuries.

Everton may be left with no choice but to recruit in January, especially if they put themselves in contention for the top six before it reopens.