Thursday’s Toffee Bites: Everton getting business done early?

The first move the upcoming transfer window has already been made. Virgil Van Dijk will leave Southampton to join Liverpool on the first of the month for a whopping £75 million, a world record for a defender.

Everton are unlikely to spend that much the entire month on a couple of players, but it is sounding like the Blues will land Turkish striker Cenk Tosun. It’s a transfer that may go under the radar, but could prove fruitful for an Everton attack that lacks venom. But January will feel like a failure if the team doesn’t bring in reinforcements elsewhere on the pitch while ridding themselves of headaches (Kevin Mirallas) or sending players out on much-needed loans (Davy Klassen, Mo Besic).

In case you missed it

Transfer fee for Cenk Tosun agreed
Player will move to Merseyside on January 1st

Wenger refutes Allardyce claims on Giroud transfer
Arsenal’s manager also provides update on player’s injury status

Allardyce provides Everton injury update
Baines to miss more time, but McCarthy & Barkley are close

Thursday’s Toffee Bites

Henry Onyekuru faces up to six months out with knee injury - Liverpool Echo
Nigerian forward is on loan at Anderlecht but season could be over.

Sandro Ramirez wanted by Valencia in January deal - Daily Star
Sandro Ramirez could be on his way out of Everton after Valencia showed interest in the Toffees star.

McCarthy must show mental strength as he bids for full fitness - Liverpool Echo
Sam Allardyce fears midfielder may have to overcome mental barrier after "niggly, difficult time".

Allardyce Is Proving to Be the Right Choice for Everton - SI.com
But he isn't the long term answer .

Yannick Bolasie defends Sam Allardyce over Everton’s blunt attack - The Guardian
Everton’s Bolasie has returned from injury to a side that has shut up shop at the back but has been lacking a genuine attacking threat going forward.

EFC need to be more clinical, a new striker in January is essential - Liverpool Echo
Michael Ball on the Blues in front of goal, Yannick Bolasie and finding a left-back.

Five Things We Learned: West Brom And Chelsea - EvertonFC.com
Sam Allardyce’s unbeaten start as Everton boss continued with a pair of scoreless draws either side of Christmas Day.

Bolasie Keen To Build On 'Second Everton Debut' - EvertonFC.com
annick Bolasie says he is determined to repay Evertonians for their "incredible" support after making what he called his “second debut” against West Bromwich Albion.

What and How to Watch

Premier League: Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
NBA: Rockets at Celtics, 8 p.m. ET, TNT
76ers at Trail Blazers, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
NHL: Bruins at Capitals, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Golden Knights at Kings, 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN

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