The transfer window is just one week old and already Everton have been linked with a host of names.
From well-known players the club has previously targeted to names that have fans searching the internet for more details on, we have hit the chaotic summer months of rumour and speculation.
Key to bear in mind for the Blues is that money looks to be tight and Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell will need to be sensible in everything they do. There are key areas Everton simply have to prioritise - the most important being up front. They cannot afford to enter the new season without adequate support for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
With that in mind, it is no surprise that strikers have provided much of the intrigue so far. The Blues continue to be linked with Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres - the third consecutive transfer window that has been the case. The 25-year-old is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract and so far Portuguese side Sporting - who travel to Goodison Park in pre-season - appear to be leading the chase and have approached Coventry.
READ MORE: Everton January transfer target is now available for £10m
READ MORE: Jordan Pickford stance on Everton future as Manchester United and Tottenham interest grows
While Gyokeres remains a Championship player after Coventry lost in the play-off final, an attacking player that was promoted was Iliman Ndiaye of Sheffield United. Ndiaye is also entering the final year of his deal but his club’s owner has spoken of a desire to keep star players.
Free agents Moussa Dembele, who is out of contract at Lyon, and Alfredo Morelos, who is leaving Rangers, have been suggested as targets. One of the most prolific names touted as being on Everton’s radar is Kenya international Michael Olunga. The 29-year-old plundered 40 goals for Al-Duhail this season to steer them to a domestic double in Qatar and his contract expires at the end of this month.
Almeria striker El Bilal Toure is another that has been linked to the Blues, but the 21-year-old Mali international looks likely to command a significant fee. Serie A is a hotbed of alleged intrigue for Everton, with press in Italy claiming they have held 'tentative talks' with Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa while Udinese striker Beto, who the club looked at in January, has once again emerged as a name apparently on the Blues' radar. His 10 goals last season may tempt other clubs into moving for the 25-year-old, who is expected to cost around £25m. Meanwhile, reports in Italy suggest Everton have an interest in Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who could be available for just £7million.
Two clubs with multiple players linked to Everton have been Leeds United and Manchester United. Leeds, having been relegated, may be open to offers for some players and there have been claims the Blues are keen on Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto. With Harrison thought to be available for around £16m a deal for the wide player would be similar to that struck by the Blues for Dwight McNeil, who the club signed from then relegated Burnley and who went onto have a good season. Last night another Leeds name was thrown into the frame - Crysencio Summerville, who is said to be wanted by both Everton and Feyenoord and who could be available for £12m.
At Old Trafford, there have been claims the Blues are interested in Amad Diallo and Scott McTominay. Diallo is expected to get an opportunity to impress in pre-season before a decision is made on whether he will be available for loan. He scored 14 goals during a spell at Sunderland last season. Erik ten Hag wants to keep McTominay but a sizable bid could be accepted - it is currently difficult to see Everton submitting an approach large enough to trouble the Reds Devils, particularly given the centre of midfield is not an area in which Dyche needs to strengthen as a priority. One player who could be of interest to Everton is Anthony Elanga. The Blues tried to complete a deal for the winger in January and he is expected to leave this summer - either on loan or for a fee of around £10m.
Another player Everton have previously been interested in, and who is now definitely available, is Ainsley Maitland-Niles. He has been released on a free by Southampton and could offer cover at centre midfield and full-back should Dyche see him as a viable option to add depth. Two further players available on free deals this summer and who have been linked with the Blues are goalkeeper Joel Robles, who has previously played for Everton and has just left Leeds and Jesse Lingard, who has just left Nottingham Forest. The Blues were in talks with Lingard last summer.
