Everton and Bolton are set to fight it out for Maccabi Haifa's highly promising midfielder Lior Rafaelov when the transfer window reopens in January.

The 23-year-old Maccabi youth product has bags of pace and a powerful shot to boot and has already represented the Israeli national side. He also featured in his side's Champions League loss against Bayern Munich.

Were he to opt for a move to Bolton he would join up with compatriot Tamir Cohen at the Reebok Stadium. Fellow midfielder Cohen has been one of few positives for Wanderers this season. His third goal of the campaign helped secure the Lancashire club's second win in the league at Birmingham yesterday.

Rafaelov would inject some much-needed flair into the Trotters' line-up, Gary Megson has come under criticism from his side's own fans for his primitive footballing philosophy.

Everton boss David Moyes is also reportedly interested in the Israeli, the Scot will no doubt be keen to add to his midfield options in January, with pivotal Spaniard Mikel Arteta still side-lined with a knee injury.