Everton fans will hope that recent departures from Goodison Park spark a flurry of arrivals as Sean Dyche looks to bolster his squad after narrowly avoiding relegation.
First through the exit door was Ellis Simms, who moved to Coventry City for a significant fee. The 22-year-old scored one goal after returning from Sunderland in January but was deemed sacrificial by the Everton hierarchy as the Sky Blues searched for a replacement for outgoing Viktor Gyokeres.
Then there was academy prospect Ishe Samuels-Smith. While the 17-year-old's sale to Chelsea will come as less as a blow to Dyche and the Toffees, Samuels-Smith had impressed the former Burnley boss and his predecessor Frank Lampard and his switch to Stamford Bridge is indicative of his potential.
It now appears Ashley Young will join the Blues as a free agent, with reports he is closing in and could even have his medical today.
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But with more than £10 million thought to have been raised through the sale of two youngsters, who might arrive courtesy of such funds?
Here are the latest rumours surrounding the Blues...
Rogerio
Reports have emerged in recent days claiming there is Everton interest in Sassuolo left-back Rogerio.
TuttoMercatoWeb writes that the Toffees have ‘requested information’ on the 25-year-old, with Dyche searching for depth in the position alongside Vitalii Mykolenko.
Rogerio joined the club in a €7m move from Juventus back in 2019 and has been a vital figure for Alessio Dionisi's side since.
However, the Brazilian's contract at Sassuolo expires next year, meaning he could be available in a cut-price deal, something that will undoubtedly appeal to Everton.
Alex Iwobi
Only a 'very good offer' will convince Everton to part ways with Alex Iwobi, according to Football Insider.
The 27-year-old has a year left on his deal at Goodison Park. The report claims the Blues are still awaiting Iwobi's response to the offer of a 'new four-year contract' after the former Arsenal man started all 38 of their top flight games, scoring twice and providing eight assists in those outings.
Everton paid £28 million to sign Iwobi on a manic deadline day in 2019. The article also adds that he has interest from fellow Premier League clubs and sides across Europe.
Adam Wharton
There are a couple of interesting observations from Simon Jones' article in the Daily Mail. One being that Everton took part in talks over a potential swap deal that could have seen Blackburn Rovers sign Tom Cannon and Ellis Simms, while the Toffees got midfielder Adam Wharton in return.
Jones writes: "Everton need to be creative in the market which led to them discussing a swap involving Ellis Simms, now at Coventry, and Tom Cannon for Blackburn midfielder Adam Wharton a few weeks back. They retain an interest in Leeds United striker Rodrigo and have spoken to veteran free agent Ashley Young."
Wharton, a graduate of Rovers' academy, made 18 Championship appearances for the club last year but scored two goals and registered one assist as Jon Dahl Tomasson's just missed out on the play-offs.
It is little surprise that swap deals may have been mooted, given the financial constraints that Dyche and co currently find themselves working under.
