Everton, following their demolition at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, have a glaring problem heading into their next match.
After all, the scoreline was not the only negative to come out of the clash.
Chasing the game at 2-0 down, Sean Dyche was frustratingly tentative with his changes, and Iliman Ndiaye’s official debut was made even more difficult when Ashley Young made the unwise decision to take a touch down just inside his own half, despite being both the last man and marked by Kaoru Mitoma.
The Japan International couldn’t believe his luck, and as he stole the ball and raced through on goal all it took was a slight pull-back to send him sprawling to the ground and send the 39-year-old off.
Mason Holgate’s substitution was booed by Everton fans, which says enough about the likelihood of him starting against Tottenham Hotspur, whilst suggestions of throwing Roman Dixon in despite his lack of Premier League experience are wildly unlikely.
So, at the moment, they are heading to north London without a recognised right-back to try and thwart Heung-min Son.
Everton bid to sign a new right-back
Having recognised that, Kevin Thelwell has seemingly rushed into the market to fix that issue, but his solution does not include buying someone with experience.
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Instead, he seems set to opt for more youth, actually investing in a player who is one year Dixon’s junior.
Alisson Santana may be a bright Atlético Mineiro prospect hailing from Brazil, but little is known about him.
And yet, according to Brazilian outlet O Tempo, the Toffees have submitted an official bid.
The exact figures are yet to be disclosed, but it is assured that ‘negotiations are underway’.
Despite boasting a €60m (£51m) release clause, earlier this year during Arsenal’s tenuous links to the 18-year-old, a more reasonable fee of €25m (£21m) was being discussed.
Who is Everton target Alisson Santana?
Despite his youth, Alisson already has an impressive number of senior appearances for his boyhood side, where he developed through the youth ranks to make his debut just last year.
Although described by some as an attacking midfielder, the bulk of his appearances have actually come at right-back or right-wing-back, revealing a versatility that would be much welcomed at Goodison Park.
This ability to play all across the pitch seems similar to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who also started his career as an attacker.
However, with youth comes malleability, and his tactical and physical maturity will only grow with further experiences.
It might be a long shot to think that Everton could not only sign him up but deem him instantly ready for the first team, but if they are to pay £21m for a right-back, he may well start against Spurs on Saturday.