Everton’s next manager can take advantage of ‘financial’ difficulties for January transfer

Premier League transfer round-up: Everton make early signing

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Everton have given themselves a huge task in finding Rafael Benitez’s replacement before the January transfer window closes, but their next manager may already have a transfer already lined up. Benitez was given his marching orders on Sunday after Everton suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Norwich the day prior.

The Toffees have won just once in the league since September and the defeat to Norwich leaves them just two spots above the relegation zone.

The decision to axe Benitez comes after the Spaniard caused some frustration among fans in selling Lucas Digne to Aston Villa.

Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson have already joined the club this window and more incomings were expected under Benitez.

But Everton will now have to move forward without Benitez in charge and the club’s hierarchy are seemingly moving quickly to make an appointment this week.

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Roberto Martinez, Wayne Rooney, Graham Potter and Duncan Ferguson are being touted as possible successors.

Whoever comes in will likely want to stamp their authority on the current squad by making some changes in the January window of their own.

A new central midfielder was said to be a target for Benitez, but no deal materialised before he was dismissed.

But there could still be a strong option for Everton’s next manager to try and get a deal done before the window closes.

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Denis Zakaria has strongly been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Everton rivalled by the likes of Manchester United for his signature.

The Switzerland international has earned rave reviews for his performances in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach this season.

However, Zakaria’s contract expires at the end of the season with no real sign that an extension will be signed.

It’s been claimed that a bid as little as £5million will be enough to sign Zakaria from Monchengladbach this month.

And Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl has admitted “financial reason” may come into play should an approach be made for Zakaria.

“It’s not surprising that there is speculation about both of them [Zakaria and teammate Mattheus Ginter] and especially Denis, but it’s no longer our topic,” Eberl said.

“They both still have a half year of contract. But we have also said again and again that if something comes up that we have to deal with for financial reasons.”

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