Everton have quick January decision to make on Sam Tickle amid contract update

In an ideal world, Sean Dyche would be extremely busy in the January transfer window adding bodies to his Everton squad.

Alas, this is not an ideal world and the Toffees boss is likely going to have to box clever if he is to make additions to his ranks during the transfer window.

Indeed, director of football Kevin Thelwell intimated that it will be a quiet month, stating Everton’s transfer business will be “low-key”.

Speaking to the club’s official website (27 December), he said: “Please, don’t be drawn in by the inevitable daily churn of social media rumour and conjecture – as enticing as I know such chat can be. This is likely to be a low-key transfer window for Everton.”

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One rumour that did seem to make some sense, though, was Everton’s links to young Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle, who has established himself as first choice this season.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported (5 November) had sent spies to check on the development of Tickle as a long-term successor to England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Joe Thomas would say on Christmas Day for the Liverpool Echo that Tickle fits the sort of profile that Everton are hunting with their transfers.

However, another update from Nixon (31 December) suggests Everton might have to act quickly.

Writing on his Patreon in quotes reported by Football League World, Nixon commented: “Wigan hope to tie down top young keeper Sam Tickle to a new contract- despite his fan club growing.

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“Tickle was recently called up by England at under-21 level as his breakthrough season takes him into the public eye.

“And although a handful have pencilled in moves for home grown Tickle he could be open to signing for Latics in fresh terms.”

So, if Everton do have a bonafide interest in Tickle then it seems like they will have to act pretty swiftly in January.

Otherwise, they might find a top target commits his future to Wigan and makes a future transfer even more difficult to complete.

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