David Moyes said he understood talks remained ongoing over bringing Carlos Alcaraz to Everton. The Blues boss said work was continuing to “add some bodies” to his squad but that he did not think a first signing of the January transfer window had quite been confirmed.

Alcaraz looks destined to have that honour, the 22-year-old’s club Flamengo posting on social media on Friday night to state a loan move that would take the attacking midfielder to Merseyside had been agreed.

The Brazilian outfit added the deal contained an obligation for the move to become permanent should certain performance criteria be met.

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Everton sources have been more cautious over progress with Flamengo and Alcaraz, who himself has posted a farewell message to the Rio de Janeiro club.

Asked for an update on the Alcaraz talks after the 4-0 win over Leicester City, Moyes said: “I’m hearing that there are ongoing conversations at the moment. I don’t think there is anything confirmed or definite. I might find out some more later today. We are trying to add some bodies to what we have got.”

Moyes is keen to strengthen despite the win over the Foxes taking Everton 10 points clear of trouble. A forward remains an ambition - even with Beto’s brace on Saturday, the club is having to deal with the long-term absence of alternative options Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja. The search is also taking in wingers and centre midfielders.

Asked how late he thought he might be working on Monday, transfer deadline day, he said: “I’ve done a few. [Marouane] Fellaini was the latest, Fellaini was the worst, I think it was past midnight when it was done. I have been in a few late ones but Fellaini will take some beating.

If we were really fortunate enough to bring in another Fellaini it would be great but probably, unfortunately, in this window we might not be able to do that.”