Everton’s summer has already got off to a busy start and it is still May.
David Moyes will only have just put his feet up following the final game of the season at the weekend away to Newcastle United.
But the Toffees have already seen plenty going on in the background over recent days ahead of the transfer window opening.
Everton have lost out in the race for Liam Delap, with the 20-year-old striker deciding to join Chelsea.
The window has not even opened yet and the Blues are already scratching one name off their shortlist.
It is not all bad news for Everton, though.
There are plenty of reasons to be positive on Merseyside with the Friedkins set to invest heavily in transfers at Everton in their first summer market.
In recent days, footage has now emerged out of the club showing some encouraging injury news ahead of pre-season.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
James Tarkowski injury update from Everton
James Tarkowski’s season came to a premature end as his immaculate injury record ended due to the issue he picked up against Manchester City.
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Featuring on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football a few weeks ago, Tarkowski was sporting a leg brace which did not make for comfortable viewing.
However, a video released by the club recently showed Tarkowski back around Finch Farm walking without any support.
Although it is unknown as to whether Tarkowski had been joining in with first-team training, it was a big boost to see him back amongst the squad.
The centre-back was in full Everton training gear which would suggest he was working on his return to some degree.
Everton have seen interest in Jarrad Branthwaite arise again ahead of the summer, which makes Tarkowski’s return even more important.
The Englishman will now enjoy some down time ahead of what will be an important pre-season for his recovery.
Everton need to sign defensive reinforcement
The two big defensive injuries towards the end of the season only highlighted Everton’s need to sign a new defender this summer.
Moyes is keen to add to his defence over the coming months, but an answer is still being waited on over Michael Keane’s future.
With Tarkowski and Branthwaite, Moyes has his starting pairing, but the latter has shown he can endure his injury issues throughout the course of a season.
Everton have strong reinforcement with Jake O’Brien but his presence at right-back was crucial in the second half of the season.
An answer on Keane’s contract could be huge in the pursuit of defensive additions.