Everton are all set for a summer of change now their move from Goodison Park has been completed and could now make a surge to land one of the Premier League's most recognisable names.
Everton and the challenges that await them this summer
Without stating the obvious too much, there is still a lot of work for David Moyes and the Friedkin Group to do before the Toffees can safely say they have the strength in depth required to compete next term.
Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Ashley Young have departed, alongside several loanees, offering an indication of where incomings may surface.
At the same time, questions exist over other out-of-contract stars, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman.
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates their third goal, an own goal scored by Tottenham Hotspur's Archie Gray
In recent times, Everton losing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea has also hit the headlines. Nevertheless, the other end of the field may require the most attention to ensure the Toffees maintain their strong foundations next campaign.
Central defender Michael Keane is another star due to leave on a free transfer who hasn't yet confirmed his future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Why may his renewal become important? Simply put, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is attracting a lot of interest from elsewhere, including former suitors Manchester United.
The England international is the jewel in the Toffees' crown and it remains to be seen whether he will stick around. Seeking a contingency plan, Moyes could turn to Liverpool's Jarell Quansah as an unexpected solution for a fee in the region of £29 million.
While that may come as a surprise to Everton supporters, they may be even more intrigued by the latest name to crop up on their shortlist as a target to strengthen their backline.
Everton eye shock move for Man City star John Stones
According to The Mirror, Everton are eyeing a shock move for Manchester City defender John Stones and he would need to take a pay cut from his £250,000 per week wages to sign for his former club.
The England international has one year left on his deal, and it is said that the Citizens wouldn't stand in the way of his departure or be difficult to negotiate with due to his need for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
John Stones at Everton - could a shock return be on the cards?
Years spent at Everton
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Joined Man City in 2016 for an initial £47.5 million
Dubbed "sensational" by Jamie Carragher, Stones has struggled with injuries this term and made just 20 appearances across all competitions, registering three goals and two assists.
Having turned 31 years of age, his time at the Etihad Stadium could now be over, and his openness to a move back to the blue half of Merseyside may prove to be a catalyst in the Toffees' pursuit of a new defender.
Of course, Everton fans will know all too well that Stones is a force to be reckoned with after watching him claim six wins against his former side over the years. Now, he could be in the Blues' corner the next time they face Pep Guardiola's men.