These 3 star January signings are top of Everton’s Christmas list

Kevin Strootman

With James McCarthy’s long-term future at Goodison Park uncertain, and Gareth Barry turning 36 in February, Koeman may feel that he needs greater strength in depth in the midfield department.

One man he has been linked to is Roma’s Kevin Strootman, who could be the answer to the long-term midfield conundrum.

The 26-year-old was outstanding for PSV Eindhoven before making the move to Italy in 2013, but has since suffered multiple long-term injuries which threatened to end his career.

However, he has recovered and this season has been a stalwart in the Roma side that have won nine of their opening 13 league games, and sit second in the table.

Strootman has started 11 of those matches, and is beginning to look like the midfielder they signed three years ago.

Koeman has been linked with a move for his compatriot, and it’s a deal he should certainly attempt to strike in January.