Everton have good options in the centre of defence with the likes of Funes Mori, Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams all consistent performers.
So, on first viewing, rumours about the addition of another centre back this month may seem wide of the mark.
But such rumours have persisted in relation to more than one player so perhaps we should start to take the notion seriously.
The latest link is with a much sought after Sunderland defender Lamine Kone and British media outlet, The Daily Star, writes:
It’s suggested David Moyes wants the 26-year-old but will have to cough up around £10m to secure his services.
The Scot will also be expected to let Kone depart for Goodison Park as part of the deal.
James McCarthy started his Everton career in flying fashion and there was even a sense that he could move on to a bigger club. But his form has waned after a series of injuries and he will surely have fallen even further down the pecking order at Everton with the arrival, at great expense, of French international Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Ireland international of 41 caps is in his fourth season at Everton and has scored 5 goals in 123 games for the club.
But he has only played nine times this season and, despite the departure of Tom Cleverley on loan to Watford, McCarthy’s days at Everton could be severely numbered.
As for Kone, he appears to be the jewel in the crown, alongside Jermaine Defoe, in a rather threadbare Sunderland squad. David Moyes will be absolutely desperate to hold on to the man mountain who looks 6ft tall and wide. The Ivory Coast international, who has nine caps for his country since his debut in 2014, has been a star at Sunderland since joining the club in the last January transfer window.
He’s only played 25 games and scored two goals for Sunderland but has drawn admiring glances from far and wide with his imperious displays.