Having enjoyed a relatively proficient transfer window, in which some impressive names were acquired in key positions, Everton are far better off now than they were last season.
That is, even with the departures of Alex Iwobi and Ellis Simms, both of whom contributed to their eventual survival in their own ways.
Sacrifices must be made to earn that steady progress, especially for a side now touted for Premier League relegation every year, and for Kevin Thelwell, his risks seem to be paying off thus far.
However, recent reports seem to suggest that he and Sean Dyche are currently content with the squad they boast, and are instead shifting their focus towards a brighter future.
Their interest in one of the ‘top prospects’ in Ireland has already been outlined, and now it is Italian outlet InterLive who details their latest target in Borussia Monchengladbach marksman Winsley Boteli.
Having been linked earlier in the month, this latest report suggests scouts have already been sent to ‘closely monitor’ the teenager, who is later branded a ‘future star’.
How good is Winsley Boteli?
With limited information on the 17-year-old goal machine, all there is to go off at this moment is his insane record in the U19s Bundesliga.
For Dyche, these figures alone should be enough to merit a deal being struck.
After all, having scored 12 across all competitions last campaign in various age groups, he has since settled way above his age grade.
And now, with 12 goals in 11 U19 Bundesliga games, a star is seemingly being forged in Germany.
That kind of goalscoring record is impressive at any level, let alone one two years Boteli’s senior.
Given the pathway Everton have often offered youngsters to the first-team in the past, with a steady stream of stars having earned their chance throughout the club’s history, the Swiss striker would certainly benefit from a Finch Farm upbringing to help usher out the immense potential that clearly lies within.
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