Everton have joined the race to secure a move for Birmingham City's 18-year-old midfield prodigy George Hall.
The Lowdown: Hall's emergence at Birmingham
In 22 appearances for the Midlands club across their under-18 and under-21 teams, the teenager has six goals and three assists to his name.
Having now made 20 senior appearances for Birmingham, 18 of those have come in the current Championship campaign.
Now that the January transfer window is shortly due to open, the youngster has found himself on the radar of numerous Premier League clubs.
The Latest: Everton join Hall transfer race
According to a recent report from Football Insider, Everton and their Merseyside rivals Liverpool have joined Leeds United in the race to sign the Birmingham teenager.
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The report adds that the Toffees are 'on Hall’s trail as they hunt for dynamic young midfielders who can slot straight into their first team and play a big part in their future at Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium'.
The Verdict: A long-term option
Hall found himself on the receiving end of high praise last year from Birmingham's under-18 coach Martyn Olorenshaw, who raved about the young midfielder.
He said of the 18-year-old: "He is explosive, dynamic and has the prowess to influence games. He is a really exciting player that has the ceiling to achieve whatever he wants to achieve. He has received international recognition recently which is a huge achievement, a testament to all his hard work and a reflection of his character."
While Hall may be a very promising young talent who seems destined for a strong career, he may not be exactly what Everton should spend their time and money on in January.
Given how the Toffees are currently hovering just above the relegation zone, it appears that Frank Lampard will need some experienced players to come in who can hit the ground running and help the team to improve straight away, rather than signing someone like Hall who is more likely to be someone for the future.