With the January transfer window fast approaching Everton will be searching the market for players who can add to their options for the second half of the campaign. However, they’ll need to make some room in the squad for these new additions by moving on some deadwood.

Ronald Koeman’s side started the season with 4 Premier League wins in their first 5 matches, but a poor run has followed, meaning the best they can realistically hope this season would be Europa League qualification in 7th place.

Recent gritty performances in the fight back win against Arsenal and the unlucky loss to rivals Liverpool appears to have breathed new life into their season. The Toffees will be hoping they can display the same passion and commitment against lesser opposition in the coming months.

Everton will face stern competition for that last Europa League qualification spot from the likes of Southampton, and so it’s vital they have as many players that can contribute to the team, and that the manager trusts, for the coming months.

It’s pivotal to move players on when the time is right, this ensures you have good options throughout the squad. With that said here’s TWO players we here at Shoot! reckon Everton should let go this January.

Arouna Kone

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Arouna Kone was signed as a Roberto Martinez favourite from his Wigan days. The 33-year-old has never really looked convincing in an Everton shirt since his arrival, and not many Toffees fans would miss him if he was moved on this January.

It is clear Ronald Koeman doesn’t see the Ivorian as part of his future plans, as he has only made three substitute Premier League appearances and no starts so far this season.

His position in the team is important; he needs to be providing a number of goals via substitute appearances and occasional starts across the campaign, so there isn’t such an over-reliance on star man Romelu Lukaku.

Darron Gibson

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Darron Gibson needs to be moved on from Everton, that much is certain. The player has so many players above him in the pecking order at Everton they are effectively throwing his wages down the drain.

The Irishman hasn’t made a single Premier League appearance for Everton so far this campaign. It’s clear he doesn’t feature in Ronald Koeman’s future plans and thus should be moved on this January to make space for someone who will.