Journalist Paul Brown has claimed Everton could now sign a player in January following the departure of James Rodriguez. 

What's the latest transfer news at Everton?

It was confirmed by the Toffees last week that they'd reached an agreement with Qatari side Al Rayyan over the permanent transfer of Rodriguez. 

The Colombian international moved to Goodison Park in summer 2020 and produced a respectable six goals and nine assists across all competitions during his only full campaign on Merseyside.

Nonetheless, the former Real Madrid star struggled for fitness and missed 22 games for Everton through injury.

He failed to feature under Rafa Benitez at the start of this season and the Toffees boss had even admitted to reporters that the South American was available for transfer during the Premier League's summer window.

Rodriguez was eventually moved on and with the deal saving Everton £90k per week in wages, it has been suggested that the 30-year-old's departure will allow the Toffees to sign someone in January.

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What has Paul Brown said about Everton selling James Rodriguez?

Asked whether offloading Rodriguez could actually be something of a masterstroke from Everton's Director of Football Marcel Brands, journalist Brown told GIVEMESPORT that the answer will come in the next transfer window. 

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He claimed Everton are now likely to make an addition in the new year, telling GMS: "I think we’ll know better in January. If the noises from the club are to be believed then getting rid of James Rodriguez's wages will allow them to sign a player in January. So it may depend who they get in."

An exciting update for Everton fans?

Very much so.

While Everton fans can't have too many complaints about life under Benitez so far - he oversaw four victories in the Toffees' first six Premier League games of the season - it's clear the squad still needs some work. 

The Merseyside outfit spent just £1.8m on new signings this summer, despite Benitez inheriting a squad that could only manage a tenth-placed finish in the top flight last season. 

Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend, Salomon Rondon and Asmir Begovic were all added to the squad - decent signings for the money spent considering their Premier League experience - but Everton remain a little short on top-end quality and they lack depth in some key departments, most notably full-back.

In short, Everton still need some fresh blood and Benitez needs more signings to further implement his own philosophy.

It appears shifting Rodriguez might just help them do that in January which, theoretically at least, will only improve Everton's chances of a stronger Premier League finish this term.