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A couple of days ago Marca were pretty blunt in their claim that Kevin Gameiro is persona non grata at Atletico Madrid and is likely to leave when the winter transfer window opens, if a reasonable buyer can be found.

It’s been one of many claims in Spain which push Gameiro to the exit. Diego Simeone isn’t thought to be a fan, and when that’s the problem there’s not a lot of coming back from it.

With Everton being repeatedly linked to the French striker, and likely looking to add upfront from Ronald Koeman in January, the pieces easily fit together. There isn’t even much, or any, competition presented for Everton, and Gamiero has looked a believable potential transfer.

Given all of that, it was a surprise to see Gameiro start for Atletico Madrid against Qarabag on Wednesday evening. The Azerbaijan away match didn’t go well for the striker, it finished 0-0 and he was hauled off after around 70 minutes, getting low and no marks from the Spanish media.

Mundo Deportivo say, after failing to shine on his chance, the Everton target has ’74 days to convince Simeone’ not to dump him in January. It’s the same for Nico Gaitan.

Gaitan, 29 years of age, is also thought to be on the way out of, maybe a double consideration for Everton. Good players available in January aren’t abundant.