Everton transfer briefing: The latest on Youssef En-Nesyri as Italian clubs join hunt for Morocco striker, the rule Toffees are applying to any potential signing in January and their stance on selling Jarrad Branthwaite and Iliman Ndiaye

The mood around Everton has improved dramatically this week after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and an FA Cup exit at home to Sunderland were followed by Sunday’s superb win at Aston Villa. 

That victory left David Moyes‘ men just four points behind rivals Liverpool in fourth, and with some big hitters set to return from injury and international duty in the next few weeks. 

Evertonians could be forgiven, then, for wanting a few eye-catching January additions to boost their prospects of a first finish in the European spots since 2017. But will they get their wish in the next 13 days?

Here, Daily Mail Sport’s DOMINIC KING answers five big questions about the window as it reaches its final stages…

1. What have Everton done so far this January?

Nothing so far but that is exactly how David Moyes anticipated it would go. It hasn’t been for the want of trying – Moyes, who has the final say on all incomings and outgoings, has been in regular discussions with the club’s recruitment team but, so far, there has not been a suitable target to pursue.

‘You tell me a name who we should go for,’ said Moyes at his regular media briefing last Friday, simply to stress the point that if there was a name, it had already been debated by him and his colleagues. 

Bringing Harrison Armstrong back from a loan at Preston was a smart early move, as the young midfielder has shown glimpses of potential.

He’s a good player in the making and his progress will be followed enthusiastically – there is a chance he could return to Preston at the end of the window if Everton’s injury room clears, to get more experience.

Boss David Moyes has been in regular discussions with the club’s recruitment team but will only enter the market for the right player

2. Where do they still need to strengthen? 

It hasn’t changed since the summer. A striker and a right back would be manna from heaven. 

Age, along with wear and tear, is catching up with Seamus Coleman, while Nathan Patterson has struggled for consistency since he has been at the club, though he did well enough in Sunday’s win at Villa to warrant keeping his place against Leeds.

Moyes was interesting when discussing the ‘gamble’ he had to take when signing Thierno Barry last summer – had Everton waited another year and he kept scoring goals for Villarreal, his £27million price tag would have doubled – and there have been signs that he is starting to get attuned to the Premier League. He has three goals in his last four league games, including the winner at Villa Park.

Nathan Patterson (right) has struggled for consistency since joining the club and right back has long been an area where Everton have wanted to strengthen

3. Which players are they targeting?

Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri has been top of the list but there was no chance of any deal being done while Morocco were still on AFCON duty. 

Moyes likes him and would happily take the 28-year-old on loan but he knows there are several other clubs jostling in the queue for En-Nesyri, including a couple in Serie A.

One important point that must be stressed, however, is this: Everton will not make any rushed decisions. The only way they will sign someone in this window is if they are someone they would consider signing in the summer: any target must have enduring quality.

Youssef En-Nesyri (centre) is a player Moyes likes – though Everton may have to fight off competition from Italy for the striker

4. What progress has been made on signings for the summer?

One deal that will get completed after this season concludes is making Merlin Rohl’s loan from Freiburg permanent. 

The stipulations over that loan on deadline day in September meant he was always going to stay on Merseyside and Moyes knows he has lots of room for growth within his game.

The name everyone wants clarity on is Jack Grealish and it would be pleasing if the England international could have a strong end to the campaign. 

Everton revealed on Tuesday that the England international had suffered a foot injury which will be reviewed by a specialist.   

The buzz he provided when initially arriving on loan was priceless and his status as a fan favourite was swiftly confirmed but the economics around the deal have to be right for Everton to press the button.

Jack Grealish has quickly cemented himself as a fan favourite during his stint on Merseyside but the economics will have to be right for Everton to sign him permanently 

5. Who could still leave this month?

Losing players is not something Everton are interested in. 

They have a number of players to come back to bolster their squad, headed by Jarrad Branthwaite and the Senegalese pair Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, and the focus is on a strong end to the campaign.