Phil Jagielka, the Everton defender, believes Mikel Arteta's resurgent form could ruin Liverpool's season with the former Rangers midfielder having been in sparkling form in recent weeks in a new central role.

Arteta has been moved in from the flanks because of Everton's injury crisis and Tim Cahill's role as a makeshift striker.

But three goals in the last two home games - including two outstanding free-kicks - has seen Arteta play a significant role in Everton's run of six unbeaten matches.

Now Jagielka reckons Arteta is running into form at just the right time, with two derbies next up at Liverpool on January 19 in the Barclays Premier League, and then the FA Cup fourth-round tie on January 25.

Those games could shape Liverpool's season as they chase the league title, and they will find Everton in their best form of the campaign.Jagielka said: "There were some really good points from the win over Hull on Saturday, and Mikel's form is one of them. He is in great nick at the moment, which is good with the two Liverpool games next up for us.

"His free-kicks have been particularly good. He usually curls them in, but he has been smashing them lately and the one against Hull was a cracker.

"It is nice to see him back at his best, not only his free-kicks but also his all-round play. He is always great on the ball, but if you look now at the headers, challenges and work-rate he is putting in that you would not always associate with him, he is making that centre-midfield position his own."

Preston have completed the permanent signing of Sunderland winger Ross Wallace for an undisclosed fee. Wallace has impressed since joining the Coca-Cola Championship side on loan in August and has signed a four-and-a-half year deal.

The former Celtic winger has started the last 17 games, scoring three goals and is almost into double figures with assists this season for the promotion-chasing side.

Wallace said: "I was always hopeful of staying at Preston. The loan deal was until the end of the season, but we've managed to get a deal done.

"The last few months have been good. I've enjoyed my time at Deepdale and I am delighted to be here for the next four-and-a-half years.

"I came to Preston to play games and I have done that. We have a good team and a good bunch of lads here and, hopefully, within the time I am here we can achieve our aim, which is to get into the Premier League."

Middlesbrough midfielder Josh Walker faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after it was confirmed he suffered torn ankle ligaments during Saturday's clash with Sunderland.

Making his first start in the league and seen as a bright prospect for the future, the 19-year-old was forced off early in the second half of the 1-1 draw.

Wigan have overcome one more hurdle in their bid to sign Hugo Rodallega after the Colombia international striker was granted a work permit. The 23-year-old will now complete a £4.5m move from Mexican club Necaxa once he has passed a medical.