Everton are closing in on the loan signing of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo as boss David Moyes insists the Blues won’t risk another points deduction by overspending. The Toffees are desperate to bring in more players before the transfer window slams shut on Monday night with Moyes saying they’re “trying for every man and his dog”. Alcaraz, 22, looks like it should get done before the deadline with a deal close for the Argentine midfielder to join for the rest of the season with the option of making it permanent in the summer.

Southampton sold Alcaraz to Flamengo back in August for £15m but despite the playing for two clubs since August, Everton believe he can play for a third because the Brazilian league finished in December. Everton are bolstering their midfield after Orel Mangala suffered an ACL injury last week in the 1-0 win over Brighton and he’s set to return to Lyon for his rehab after an operation. But the Blues also need to add to their attack and Moyes, along with director of football Kevin Thelwell, are scoring the market.

The Scot had admitted it has been eye-opening to see how restricted the club is by profit and sustainability rules after they were deducted points twice last season. He said: “I’ve seen what Sean [Dyche] has had to go through the last few years. We have new owners and are coming out of it now. I feel the pressure lifting within the place. It feels better. But I don’t think the supporters will want another points deduction if we go and overspend now.”.

Moyes’ side host fellow strugglers Leicester on Saturday knowing a win could move them 10 points clear of the bottom three. Everton are hopeful of more additions before the window closes. But Moyes said: “It’s certainly not for the want of trying. Undoubtedly we’re still hampered with PSR. I’m really jealous of watching a lot of teams who can attempt to go for players at expensive prices. “At the moment, we’re not quite there but we don’t want to get ourselves in a position we’ve been in before with points deductions so we have to be really mindful of what we do.

“We hope to bring in some players but maybe it’s not the ones who, if we really had the money, we’d be trying to do.”. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.