Everton made some big additions in the summer transfer window, but there may have been a feeling that more was needed.
The Toffees welcomed nine new signings over the summer window following a mass exodus in June with free agent departures.
David Moyes was delighted with Everton’s summer business, given the Friedkins showed their ambition with signings like Jack Grealish.
Everton also welcomed Angus Kinnear on board earlier in the summer to spearhead the recruitment charge on Merseyside.
Despite considerable moves being made in the window, Moyes admitted not every issue could be fixed in just one summer.
Everton News understands that Everton wanted to sign two defenders on deadline day, but were unable to do so.
However, there was one defender on the radar this summer who they may have been lucky to miss out on.
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Everton wanted to sign John Stones from Manchester City
Jarrad Branthwaite is nearing a return from injury, but there is still a feeling that Everton may be slightly short at centre-back.
With defensive additions on the radar, Everton showed an interest in a John Stones reunion this summer.
Having signed Grealish on a season-long loan, the Toffees were looking to raid Man City of yet another top-quality addition.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 9 |
| 2 |  ChelseaChelsea | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| 4 |  TottenhamTottenham | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| 5 |  EvertonEverton | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 6 |  SunderlandSunderland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 7 |  BournemouthBournemouth | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| 8 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 9 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 10 |  Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 |
Moyes is believed to be a huge fan of Stones, but Everton were unable to get their former defender back on Merseyside.
The 31-year-old would have provided Everton with a lot of experience, however, there are some major concerns that would have come with the signing.
One of those has now been put on display following a fresh update to emerge from the England camp.
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Thomas Tuchel shares John Stones injury update
The England international has struggled to remain fit over recent years, having only made six Premier League starts last season.
Just days into the latest England camp, Stones has now been released to return to City following a fresh injury update.
“He could be an important figure, of course, but he needs to be available,” Tuchel said on Thursday.
“He wants to be available and he’s a top professional, so he is the most upset in all this because he does really everything to be fit and struggles then with these minor issues from time to time that cost him game time.”
As good of a player as Stones is, this just goes to show that Everton made a lucky escape over the summer in not signing the defender.
Stones was keen to remain at City, but he could face yet another season of being stung by injury issues.
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