The back pages are awash with more rumours than usual, chairmen across the country have dusted their cheque books off, and greedy agents are salivating at the thought of their imminent commission fees: the winter transfer window has officially opened. Many of Englands top clubs are out to bag a bargain to plug that gaping hole in defence or nip their goalscoring woes in the bud, and Everton (fans hope) will be no exception. Blues boss Roberto Martinez has a solid track record when it comes to winter dealing but, as has long been the case at Goodison Park, budgetary constraints could limit the Spaniard to rising Championship stars, Tottenham Hotspur rejects and loan rangers. That said, Steven Naismiths proposed £8 million move to Norwich City may give the Toffees some extra funding to play with, as well as provide Martinez with incentive to bolster his attacking options. Everton have a well-balanced, if underachieving squad, at their disposal, but added depth and competition for places never goes amiss in football. And with this in mind, here are nine potential January recruits for the Blue half of Merseyside, based on the latest news, rumours, and dire need
