The Everton we have seen in the last few weeks is a far cry away from the one we saw win four of their first five Premier League matches.

The Toffees made an excellent start under new manager Ronald Koeman, beating West Brom, Stoke, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough en route to second place in the table on September 17.

However, things haven’t been great since then, as Koeman’s men have won just one of their last eight league matches, and find themselves seventh in the table.

Disappointing defeats away at Bournemouth and Burnley looked only to be mere blips, but further below-par displays against Chelsea and Southampton have suggested that maybe Koeman has a bigger job at Goodison Park than he first realised.

Nonetheless, Everton host Manchester United on Sunday with both teams in need of a league win, and it could be a result that kick starts both sides’ seasons.

Koeman will be hoping that his men come out on top, but further reinforcements may be needed in January for Everton to keep pace with the top six.

Thus, here are the THREE star signings that top 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.

Troy Deeney

Striker Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the near future, which would leave the Toffees well short in the forward department.

The Belgian has scored seven of their 16 Premier League goals this season, and has been their go-to man for several seasons now.

And, even if Lukaku does stay beyond the January window, more firepower may be needed, and the club were linked with Watford forward Troy Deeney earlier in the season, which is an avenue they should go down.

The Hornets striker has been brilliant since helping the club win promotion back in 2014/15, and has since netted 16 top-flight goals to help them stay in the division.

Koeman may need more options as the season progresses, and Deeney would provide him with a great one.

Virgil van Dijk

It was Koeman who bought Virgil van Dijk to the Premier League last year, when he signed him for Southampton.

And he may be about to move for the Dutch international once again in January.

Van Dijk has been brilliant at the back for the Saints this season, and is one of the reasons for their excellent defensive record.

The way he marshalled Lukaku last weekend and then performed superbly at the Emirates in the League Cup on Wednesday night is indicative of a defender who has all the qualities needed to be a great one.

Several clubs are monitoring Van Dijk’s performances, and one of them are Everton.

Koeman may be able to use his past experience of working with the 25-year-old when attempting a deal in January.