Everton have reportedly identified Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma as a priority target for the January transfer window.
Despite being active in the market during the summer, the Toffees find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
As a result of collecting just two points from their last six fixtures, Frank Lampard's side sit in the bottom three and just three points ahead of bottom-placed Southampton, who they face on Saturday.
Speculation persists regarding Lampard's future at Goodison Park, theoretically making it imperative that Everton avoid defeat at the weekend.
Nevertheless, the club's hierarchy are focused on trying to make additions to the first-team squad, particularly in the final third with the Merseyside outfit netting just 14 goals in 18 games this campaign.
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According to the Daily Mail, Everton are making an ambitious attempt to secure a deal for Danjuma.
Since departing Bournemouth for Villarreal in 2021, Danjuma has contributed 22 goals and four assists from his 51 appearances in all competitions, six of his strikes coming in last season's Champions League.
However, the 25-year-old has been far less of a regular in the starting XI during 2022-23 with six of his 15 outings in La Liga and the Europa Conference League coming from the substitutes' bench.
That has seemingly encouraged Everton officials to make contact with their Yellow Submarine counterparts regarding a deal for the playmaker.
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As a result of continuing to deal with financial issues, Everton are said to prefer a loan deal until the end of the season with an option to buy in the summer.
Danjuma has only enhanced his reputation since moving to Villarreal for €25m, realistically leaving his current team to demand in excess of that fee should they consider a sale in the future.
The Netherlands international also has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, ensuring that Villarreal will not be in a rush to part ways with one of their creative outlets.
That said, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Villarreal are willing to listen to offers close to their valuation, with the player's representatives in talks with "more than one club".
Darren Plant
