Ronald Koeman is embarking on his first season in charge of Everton, and his side have made a solid start to the Premier League campaign.

The Toffees won four of their first five league games, but have since hit a sticky patch, picking up just two points from a possible 12, although one of those came courtesy of a 1-1 draw at league leaders Manchester City.

Add in their disappointing League Cup defeat at home to Norwich and Koeman’s men have not won in five matches, and could do with getting back to winning ways soon if they are to sustain a challenge for the European places.

Nevertheless, the Merseyside outfit sit sixth in the Premier League, a place ahead of Manchester United, and just four points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s table-toppers City.

Speculation is already building about who Koeman may look to bring in during the January transfer window to reinforce his Everton squad, so that they can continue pushing for the European spots until the end of the season.

Here are TWO players Everton fans should get excited about in January…

Troy Deeney

Watford’s talisman and an excellent Premier League forward, Troy Deeney has already been earmarked as a potential incoming at Goodison Park in January.

The 28-year-old cost Watford just £500,000 back in 2010, and has since gone on to score 99 goals for the Hornets, 16 of which have come since the Hertfordshire club were promoted to the top-flight in 2015.

Unsurprisingly, Deeney’s excellent form has attracted interest from the higher regions of the Premier League, with Everton monitoring the Englishman’s form ahead of a potential move in January.

There is speculation that Romelu Lukaku could leave the club in January, so a replacement could be needed immediately, and Deeney might well be that man.

He’s strong, holds the ball up well, and can play upfront alone or alongside someone, so could be exactly what Everton need, regardless of whether Lukaku leaves.

Kevin Strootman

Everton boss Koeman has reportedly got his eye on Dutch international midfielder Kevin Strootman.

The 26-year-old, currently of Roma, has had a bad time of it with injury in the past two years, having sustained two serious knee problems which has forced him to miss a lot of Serie A football.

Nevertheless, Strootman has already made more appearances this season than last time around, and has netted twice in nine appearances for the Italian side, perhaps suggesting that he is getting back to full fitness and somewhere near his best.

His recent run in the team is likely to please Koeman, who may view the Dutchman as a perfect long-term replacement for 35-year-old Gareth Barry.

This could be a deal that takes place in January.