Everton 'very interested in Hoffenheim's Dennis Geiger'

In Frank Lampard's first full transfer window during the summer, the Toffees made numerous high-profile additions in a bid to transform their fortunes on the pitch.

Midfield was a particular area of concern with Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and James Garner all being brought in from Lille, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively.

Lampard now has six central midfielders at his disposal with Alex Iwobi, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Tom Davies also in his ranks.

However, a dismal run of form before the World Cup break has left the Merseyside outfit having to contemplate changes during the January window.

According to Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, Everton have identified Geiger as a potential addition.

Geiger has spent his entire professional career at Hoffenheim, making a total of 106 appearances in all competitions.

Furthermore, the 24-year-old has chipped in with six goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga, three of his contributions coming during 2022-23.

Geiger has started all but one of Hoffenheim's 15 league fixtures this season, his team only dropping down to 10th place as a result of losing four of their most recent five games.

Despite his status as a key man at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Geiger's contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Although Plettenberg suggests that discussions are taking place between all the relevant parties, Geiger is allegedly attracting interest from elsewhere.

Benfica are named alongside Everton who are open to a deal, with a pre-contract agreement seemingly the preference at this stage.

A number of Bundesliga clubs are also said to be admirers of Geiger, although they would have to wait until the summer before being able to hold formal discussions.