Everton’s summer is expected to be one once again hampered by financial restrictions, but Kevin Thelwell has already gained plenty of experience in that field.
Having boldly told fans of his plans for the coming months, and how they will seek to operate shrewdly in the market, the big claim he made was that some players would have to be sold.
It is a searing indictment of where the Toffees are as a football club, but one that should surprise no Evertonian.
However, there may already be cause for some celebration, as one report is suggesting that they could have one free transfer planned that would certainly bolster the squad.
Everton already plan one transfer move
It is noted by TEAMtalk how Everton are not the only side involved in this transfer battle, but given the calibre of sides lurking, they can feel confident that their larger stature might tempt the player in question to choose them.
After all, Che Adams would certainly improve Sean Dyche’s squad, and it is another cash-strapped side in Wolverhampton Wanderers alongside play-off semi-finalists Leeds United who are in the race.
The report states: ‘Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United have all been given a boost as transfer target Che Adams is set to leave Southampton in the summer, TEAMtalk can reveal.
‘TEAMtalk has previously revealed that Wolves and Leeds are firmly interested in Adams, and those clubs remain keen on landing him. But Everton are also long-term admirers, while multiple Bundesliga clubs will try to take him to Germany.’
This information coincidentally comes just over 12 months on since the former Burnley boss actually submitted a £12m bid for the £30k-a-week Adams, which the Saints rejected. Well, now they could lose the Scotland international for free.
Che Adams would improve Everton alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Hopefully, this potential acquisition could act as a supplementary one rather than a replacement.
After all, there are reports that Dominic Calvert-Lewin might be drawing some summer interest, but Dyche would be far better served keeping the hulking marksman and seeking to play the two together.
Especially given the Scottish striker is as industrious and similarly creative as Abdoulaye Doucoure has been, and arguably a far better finisher.
This season, albeit in the Championship, the Southampton star has scored 16 goals with a 20% conversion rate, whilst averaging 0.8 key passes per game.
Doucoure, meanwhile, hasonly scored seven with a 15% conversion rate, but has posted 1.1 key passes per game.
Adams would likely thrive off the flick-ons of such a fine aerial presence, and both would represent fine goal threats that Everton have lacked for the bulk of the campaign.
This would mark the start of a very shrewd summer for the Toffees, should they win the race for the 27-year-old.