Andre Gomes' development in recent weeks has captured the imagination of Everton supporters and taken the limelight off Richarlison. 

The Brazilian boy wonder started the season in electric form and has rapidly vindicated Everton's decision to complete a £35 million deal for his services in the summer.

But Gomes' recovery from the injury that ruled him out of the early weeks of the campaign has allowed him to establish himself at the heart of Marco Silva's midfield, and he has made quite the impression.

With just six Premier League appearances to his name, a unanimous decision has been made among the Toffees faithful: we want Gomes on a permanent deal.

That feeling is one mirrored by Silva, as his glowing admiration for his compatriot in the British media serves to prove, but after a relatively extravagant 2018 of spending it see if there is anything left in the transfer kitty to complete another high-profile deal in the new year.

Well, according to the Guardian, Silva has explained that patience is needed as Everton's, Barcelona's and Gomes' interests all need to be taken into consideration before completing a permanent deal.

And the same report also claims that Everton may look to sell Oumar Niasse (Transfermarkt valuation £7.2 million) and Morgan Schneiderlin (Transfermarkt £18 million) to accumulate the necessary funds required to complete the most desirable of January deals.

Now, whether or not Everton will be able to command transfer fees in the region that their respective transfermarkt valuations suggest remains to be seen, but Schneidlerin's decline since leaving Southampton will unquestionably make him a hard sell.

Considering that both players are on the fringes of Everton's first-team and seemingly have no major role to play at the club it makes perfect sense to offload them and secure Gomes' signature before interest begins to intensify from outside the club.

Although it's early in Gomes' season-long loan spell at Goodison Park it already appears glaringly apparent that the Portugal international is in his element at this level, so the sooner Everton raise the funds for a permanent deal the better.

Everton fans - thoughts? Let us know below!