Exclusive: Pundit drops big Rodriguez claim as Everton transfer plot revealed

Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed Everton could get the best out of James Rodriguez if they sign Daniel James.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley, the former England striker tipped the Toffees to change to a 4-2-3-1 formation if they signed James meaning Rodriguez would be relieved of his defensive duties.

This site revealed last week Everton are keeping tabs on James' Manchester United situation and could swoop for him in the winter window.

James has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has started just three Premier League games this season.

Asked by Football Insider whether the Wales international would improve Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI, Agbonlahor said: "You can change the formation if you bring Daniel James in.

"You can play him where James Rodriguez is and you can push him in behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a number 10 which he's played a lot of in his career.

"Richarlison can stay on the left and you play a 4-2-3-1.

"When you're in that number 10 role you can shadow the number four of the opposition side.

"But when you're playing on the wings you have to be able to run and trackback and Rodriguez doesn't do that.

"When you play against the big sides and most of the sides in the Premier League you're going to get punished. Teams will be saying 'let's go down the left-hand side because Rodriguez does not trackback'.

"That's what teams will be doing every game and I'm sure it's something they'll change and move him into a different position.

"There are options with that signing that could be good for Everton. To add another attacking player would be good."

In other Everton news, a top pundit has U-turned on a key player after an "excellent" display against Fulham.