Sources: Everton exploring signing ahead of January after transfer 'mistake'
Everton manager David Moyes is desperate to have a new left-back added to his squad in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Vitaliy Mykolenko is the only natural left-back in the senior squad at the moment, and he was ruled out of the draw with Hull City on Sunday.
Moyes is not happy with the lack of depth in both full-back positions, and is pushing for that to be rectified during the winter window.
Sources say that the Scottish boss believes it was a "mistake" for the club to loan Adam Aznou out to Malaga in the summer, given that they failed to secure a replacement.
It is currently unclear how long Mykolenko will be out for, but Moyes has no option to cover his absence with a makeshift selection.
Jarrad Branthwaite played on the left side of the backline against Hull, but is not viewed as a long-term solution in that department.
David Moyes plugging holes at Everton
Everton endured a disastrous end to the summer transfer window, and their lack of attacking options has been well-publicised in recent weeks.
However, their issues in the two full-back positions are yet to be properly solved, despite both positions presenting problems throughout last term.
Branthwaite was a capable deputy at left-back against Hull, but he is viewed as being too important at centre-back to be used out of position on a regular basis.
Everton will hope that Mykolenko's injury heals in time for him to return next weekend, but it has served as a clear warning sign of the issues that would arise if he picked up a long-term problem.
Moyes spent the entirety of last season plugging holes on the right side of the defence, and there is now a feeling that he is doing the same on the left.
Everton set sights on Christian Kofane deal
Football Insider revealed last weekend that Everton remain interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, after being linked with him in the summer.
The 20-year-old is on the radar of several Premier League clubs, and is understood to "tick a lot of boxes" because he is tall and physical but also extremely mobile.
Sources say that Everton may find it difficult to sign the Cameroon international in the middle of the campaign, but a move for him next summer could come to fruition.
Kofane netted seven goals for Leverkusen in all competitions last term, and already has three strikes from his opening six appearances this time around.