Everton made a fantastic start to the season, winning four of their first five Premier League games, whilst drawing the other to Spurs. However, this has been followed up by only one win in eight, a run that has seen Everton slip down to 7th position in the Premier League.

The Toffees will be hoping new boss Ronald Koeman can turn around their poor form and get them back playing to the level they were earlier in the campaign.

The Dutchman has now worked with his squad in competitive action for several months, he’ll understand his options better, and specifically positions in which upgrades are needed. Even in the summer transfer window he tried to move for Moussa Sissoko late on, but the 27-year-old decided on a move to Spurs instead.

If Koeman was on the lookout for an attacking midfield way back in August, it’s likely he’ll try and sign one again this January, and we here are Shoot! reckon that would be a good move as Everton’s current options in the department are coming up short.

Everton are desperate to bring European football back to Goodison Park next season. But with the Premier League being as competitive as it is, that won’t be easy. Koeman will know the Toffees need to invest in their squad once again this January if they want to push on to greater things. With that in mind, here’s THREE reasons why Everton must sign a midfielder in January…

Everton are far too reliant on Lukaku for goals

Everton are far too reliant on star striker Romelu Lukaku for goals, with the Belgian having scored seven of their 16 Premier League goals so far this term.

Their current options behind the striker aren’t doing enough right now, Barkley, Bolasie, Deulofeu, Lennon and Mirallas have only bagged four Premier League goals between them so far this campaign, a poor return.

This means that if Lukaku has an off day Everton are highly unlikely to win, they just don’t score enough goals from the other attacking positions.

Their current options in the hole are too inconsistent

As we’ve touched on, their current options in attacking midfield aren’t scoring enough goals, but this is part of a wider problem, the players Everton currently have at their disposal in the position just aren’t consistent enough performers.

Each of Barkley, Bolasie, Deulofeu and Mirallas are the types of player that are brilliant in flashes, but this isn’t enough for Everton to be able to mix it with the big boys of English football. The Toffees need a player who can be a constant menace, one who causes the opposition problems more regularly than their current options.

Because they’ve got the cash

Everton’s new owner Farhad Moshiri is estimated to be worth £1.75billion. Since he’s taken over the Toffees have spent big money on Yannick Bolaise, and were reportedly willing to do the same for Moussa Sissoko, so there’s no doubt the money is there.

After years of prudent spending, particularly in the David Moyes era, there should be no reason not to improve the squad in the areas they see fit. Knowing that the club has a sure financial footing to spend big money, the risk isn’t as high as before. Everton will need to take advantage of that fact if they want to ensure European football returns to Goodison Park next term.