Speculation suggests Everton could target the centre of midfield for the next stage of their summer rebuild
Thierno Barry checks in at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after completing his £27m transfer to Everton
Thierno Barry checks in at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after completing his £27m transfer to Everton
It was always going to be an exciting but challenging summer for Everton. But as the return of the Premier League ticks closer, it has been a encouraging start.
Tying Jarrad Branthwaite down to a new contract that reflected his status as a centre-back Champions League teams would gladly take off Everton's hands was huge.
So too was agreeing fresh terms with Idrissa Gueye, who swept the board at the club's end-of-season awards after arguably the best campaign of the six he has enjoyed across two spells with the Blues.
And at a time of massive change for the club, it was paramount that captain Seamus Coleman remained on the playing staff for at least one more year.
David Moyes was also keen to keep hold of Michael Keane, another experienced Premier League campaigner, and the defender's decision to sign a new deal means the Everton manager now has the security of having four centre-backs to choose from.
Moyes' attacking options have also been bolstered by the permanent arrival of Carlos Alcaraz and the exciting completion of the £27m transfer of Thierno Barry from Villarreal.
And it was after the France Under-21 international's move to Merseyside was confirmed yesterday (July 9) that the Blues boss admitted more signings will soon be on their way.
Moyes said: "We are delighted to have brought Thierno to the club. We see lots of potential and we are hoping for good things from him.
"We will give him plenty of time to settle in and we are looking forward to getting started working with him as soon as possible.
"I'm hoping to make more additions in the coming weeks."
That comes as no surprise. At least one new goalkeeper to back up Jordan Pickford is required as is a left-back to provide cover and competition for Vitalii Mykolenko. And given the Blues made a play to sign Kenny Tete on a free transfer before he decided to sign a new contract with Fulham, a new right-back could also be on a shortlist.
But perhaps the position Moyes needs to prioritise next is the midfield. While Gueye has penned a new one-year contract that contains the option of a further 12 months, Everton still look light in the centre of the park after Abdoulaye Doucoure's departure.
And given the transfer links that have emerged this week, it appears the Blues boss knows that, too.
Aston Villa midfielders past and present are said to be on Moyes' radar.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Douglas Luiz is a player of interest. The 27-year-old Brazil international was outstanding during his five seasons at Villa Park but after signing for Juventus in a £42.35m deal last summer, he has struggled, partly due to injury.
While according to The Athletic, Everton are interested in Villa captain John McGinn, although the word out of the Midlands is that Unai Emery has no intention of letting the 30-year-old Scotland international leave.
McGinn and Luiz are two players who would slot straight in alongside Gueye or James Garner. But with the former turning 36 in September, it would not be a surprise if the Blues are looking for his long-term replacement.
Interesting, then, that Sky Sports suggest Everton are one of a number of clubs, in the Premier League and elsewhere, keeping an eye on Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder is fresh back from the European Under-21 Championship where he helped England, led by former Blues midfielder Lee Carsley, defend their title.
Some supporters may argue that the next box that needs to be ticked off on Moyes' lengthy to-do list is 'sign a right-winger'.
And, given the club has gone so long without boasting an orthodox player in that position, those supporters would have a point.
But if the gossip columns are to be believed, it appears a man in the middle could be the next arrival through the increasingly busy Hill Dickinson Stadium doors.