Everton to make decision over 50-cap German international

Darron Gibson’s thigh injury has left Everton slightly short of midfield options for the coming weeks and David Moyes is considering bringing in Thomas Hitzlsperger as a replacement.

Everton still look an enticing price at 5/4 to finish in the top six this season, given their solid start that has seen them take ten points from their opening five games.

However, they will need squad depth to maintain this start and with Hitzlsperger having Premier League experience from his time at Aston Villa and West Ham, he could prove a shrewd acquisition.

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old has already racked up over 50 full Germany caps and some may say he is the perfect replacement for Gibson, with both most known for their eagerness to have a shot from 35 yards.

Hitzlsperger is available on a free after being released by Wolfsburg in the summer, but would not be ready to feature for Everton for a few weeks if they were to sign him as he is still well short of match fitness.

Moyes has already tried to bring in Club Brugge midfielder Vadis Odjidja but the paperwork was submitted after the closing of the transfer window, while Ross Barkley has been allowed to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan to gain regular first-team action.

In the meantime, Everton may have to push either Johnny Heitinga or Phil Neville into a midfield role, while Leon Osman or Steven Pienaar could be moved in-field if really necessary.

Everton’s somewhat rare productive start to a season may have some punters believing that they are the darkhorses to challenge for a top-four spot, instead of Newcastle or Liverpool.

It is 8/1 that Everton end the season in the top four and 11/10 that they finish above Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing