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Rumour Mill — Week of 29 December 2025

With the January Transfer Window opening on Thursday, a raft of new players have been added to the list Everton have been linked with up to and during this week:

• Attackers & Forwards

  • Jack Grealish (Forward, Manchester City) Reports suggest The Friedkin Group is already in talks to make his loan move permanent this month. 

  • Conor Gallagher: (Forward, Atletico Madrid) Linked with a return to the Premier League, Moyes is a known admirer of his work rate, which might fit the "dogs of war" mentality he’s trying to recreate.
    
    
  • Artem Dovbyk (Striker, AS Roma):  While he's a key man in Rome, rumours of a TFG sister-club loan persist if Everton can’t land Toney.
    
    
  • Brennan Johnson: (Striker, Tottenham Hotspur): Rumours have intensified that Everton are in a four-club race (including Crystal Palace) for the £35M Tottenham winger.  

  • Tyrique George (Forward/Winger, Chelsea) – Frustrated with minutes; Everton and Fulham are the main contenders for a January move.

  • Artem Dovbyk (Striker, AS Roma):  While he's a key man in Rome, rumours of a TFG sister-club loan persist if Everton can’t land Toney.

  • Richarlison (Forward, Tottenham) – Sentiment is high for a "Bring Him Home" deal, with Spurs reportedly open to offers.

  • Gabriel Jesus (Forward, Arsenal) – High-profile link to solve the goal-scoring burden on Thierno Barry, though Arsenal are hesitant to sell.

  • Ivan Toney (Forward, Al-Ahli) – Wants a Premier League return to catch Thomas Tuchel's eye for the World Cup; high wages are the main obstacle.

  • Daizen Maeda (Forward, Celtic) – Reportedly keen to leave Glasgow; viewed as a high-energy "Moyes type" player.

  • Joshua Zirkzee (Forward, Man Utd) – Linked as a potential loan option to rediscover his Serie A form away from the pressure of Old Trafford.

  • Troy Parrott (Forward, AZ Alkmaar) – Scouts have reportedly watched him in the Netherlands after his prolific run of form.

  • Franculino Djú (Forward, Midtjylland) – A younger "project" link being monitored by several mid-table PL clubs.

  • Eliezer Mayenda (Forward, Sunderland) – Another scouting link; seen as a long-term prospect for the frontline.

  Midfielders

  • Josh Mulligan (Midfielder, Hibernian): A classic ToffeeWeb "sleeper" hit. Fans are drawing comparisons to John McGinn and urging the club to take a £3m punt on the physical Scottish .

  • Kobbie Mainoo (Midfielder, Man Utd) – The "headline" rumour; Everton want a loan to cover AFCON absences (Ndiaye/Gueye), but face massive competition from Napoli.

  • Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Midfielder, Free Agent) – Linked as emergency depth for the engine room if Merlin Röhl’s injury persists.

  • Myles Lewis-Skelly (Midfielder/left-back, Arsenal) – Thomas Tuchel has reportedly suggested he needs a loan; Everton, Fulham, and West Ham are all hovering.

  • Harvey Elliott (Attacking Midfielder, Liverpool) – A "wildcard" suggestion from pundits. While he’s been told to follow the "Dewsbury-Hall blueprint" of moving for minutes, a cross-city move remains highly unlikely.

  Defenders

  • Jayden Bogle (Right-Back, Leeds United): Bogle has emerged as a serious target to provide a specialized solution on the right flank.
    
    
  • Juanlu Sánchez (Right-Back, Sevilla) – Frequently linked as the long-term successor to Seamus Coleman; Friedkin connections in Europe could help.

  • Omar El Hilali (Right-Back, Espanyol) – Reports suggest a £26M release clause exists, which Moyes is considering triggering.

  • Vitinho (Full-Back, Botafogo) – Another name doing the rounds as Moyes searches for "pace in abundance" on the flanks.

  • Nils Zätterström (Centre-Back, Malmö/Sheff Utd) – Mentioned as a potential left-footed defensive cover.

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  Possible Outgoings & Loan Recalls

  • Harrison Armstrong: While currently on loan at Preston, there is a strong possibility Moyes recalls the teenager this week to provide immediate cover in midfield.

  • Iliman Ndiaye: Despite being a fan favourite, Chelsea and Liverpool have both been linked with £40M+ moves, with Reece James reportedly "scouting" him post-match.

  • Jarrad Branthwaite: The £70M valuation remains; Man Utd and Spurs are still hovering, though Everton are desperate to keep him until the summer, with his current injury still unresolved.

  • Tyler Dibling: The £40M price tag supposedly weighing down the young starlet could again cite homesickness for a possible (loan?) move back to Southampton and some much-needed game time?

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