Everton among contenders for Argentina midfielder

With the January transfer window just days away, the annual winter rumour mill is starting to click into gear.

In an attempt to right the wrongs of the summer window, Everton are expected to be reasonably busy over the next month.

Therefore expect the Toffees to be linked with a whole host of players - even if the reports contain little substance.

The latest name to be linked is Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, with Spanish daily AS claiming he has been made available for transfer.

The Argentina international joined Atletico from Benfica for £22m in the summer of 2016 but has struggled for regular action this season.

The 29-year-old has made just four starts so far, with his eight other appearances coming from the bench.

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

With Diego Costa and Vitolo officially joining the club in January, Atletico are reportedly keen to trim their squad to make space for the new arrivals.

With a World Cup on the horizon Gaitan will also be keen for regular first-team football in order to secure his place in the Argentina squad for Russia 2018.

As a result, it’s claimed Everton, Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham are all tracking Gaitan ahead of the transfer window opening next week.

Turkish side Fenerbahce and Mexican outfit Monterrey are also believed to be interested in the former Boca Juniors player.

Sam Allardyce has already confirmed he is keen to sign a striker and a left-back in the January window, so it remains to be seen whether Gaitan is the sort of player he is after.