EXCLUSIVE: Everton target defender and midfielder in January swoop

TEAMtalk understands Sam Allardyce is ready to return to two of his former clubs in January to bolster his new Everton squad.

Everton tried to sign Patrick van Aanholt in the summer, but a deal involving James McCarthy failed to materialise, but Allardyce, who signed the Dutchman for Crystal Palace, is ready to rekindle his interest in the player.

Van Aanholt, 27, cost Allardyce an initial £9million when he signed from Sunderland last January, but that fee could rise to £12million due to add-ons.

The defender is under contract until 2021 and he has impressed for Palace this season, making 11 appearances for the Premier League strugglers.

First-choice Everton left-back Leighton Baines is not seen to have a long-term future, and Allardyce wants van Aanholt to give competition to Cuco Martina.

Another former player on Big Sam’s radar is Tunisian international Wahbi Khazri, who is currently on-loan at French side Rennes from Sunderland.

The Black Cats have no interest in keeping him and they would be prepared to recall him in order to sell, knowing Everton would be able to give them a good return on their money.

Patrick van Aanholt: Moved to Palace

Khazri signed from Bordeaux for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £9million in January 2016.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who performed admirably for Allardyce at Sunderland, is doing well in France with four goals in eight starts and he could now be offered a route back to England with Everton.