Toffees linked with two Championship defenders

The British newspaper, the Daily Mail today reported that Everton will be looking to the Championship for defensive cover this January.

The newspaper reports that Chelsea are to make another attempt to sign John Stones when the window reopens and Michael Keane could be the man to replace the composed centre-half.

According to the Mail, the Blues have been watching the Burnley man and his developing calmness on the ball is impressing Roberto Martinez. Swansea City were also rumoured to be interested in the 22-year-old.

Everton are also supposed to still be interested in the £6million-rated Sam Byram, however after the Leeds right-back rejected a new contract, the Toffees are unwilling to pay full price.

Byram is a name we’ve heard before, being linked with a move to Goodison, as Calvin wrote for us a few months ago.

With around seven weeks to go until the window opens again expect more rumours to emerge in the coming days. It is hardly surprising that Stones has been linked with a move again, but given Chelsea's desperate start why would he want to move to a club that appears to be in disarray?

With Burnley pushing for promotion they will be unwilling to lose one of their key players at such a crucial stage of the season, so next summer would be a more realistic time for any bid. Expect Leeds to fight hard to keep Bryam at Elland Road too, meaning these rumours should be taken with a huge dose of salt.