Everton’s summer business left the club in a state of shocked positivity, with few expecting Kevin Thelwell to be so busy amidst all the financial restrictions.
Having clearly worked wonders to move his side towards a greater period of sustainability, it must have freed up some funds to allow them to bolster their backline, midfield and strike force.
Alas, the full-back areas went once again untouched, leaving an ageing contingent to hold down the right flank, and Vitaliy Mykolenko as the sole left-back.
However, having already seemingly sought to wade into the free agents market, perhaps Thelwell might be tempted to look elsewhere to solve that right-back issue.
Everton scouring the free agents market
The latest on their pursuit in this market came courtesy of the French media, who suggested that Everton were battling Premier League rivals to sign Yusuf Yazıcı.
An attacking midfielder, the 27-year-old would certainly come to Goodison Park with a good reputation, although it’s worth questioning whether he is what they need.
After all, having signed Iliman Ndiaye in the summer, already this tricky magician is on course to displace Abdoulaye Doucuore, a former Sean Dyche favourite, from the starting side.
There would be no spot for the Turkish maestro, and it could tempt the Toffees to look elsewhere.
And, from all the full-backs who remain free agents, Serge Aurier remains the outstanding option remaining.
Everton could do worse than offering Serge Aurier a one-year deal
Although he is far from the most reliable or solid defender, getting in someone with such Premier League experience until the end of the season could prove pivotal when players in this position are dropping like flies.
And, at 31 years old, he would offer far more athleticism than Ashley Young or Seamus Coleman, which has to be viewed as a positive.
As recently as last season was he a relative mainstay for Nottingham Forest, having amassed 41 appearances for them across two years at the City Ground.
This has only added to his tenure in the English top flight, having enjoyed a stint at Tottenham Hotspur first, thus explaining how he has enjoyed 113 games in the Premier League.
Starting ten games last season before being loaned out to Turkey, he provided two assists whilst averaging 1.7 tackles, 2.7 clearances and 4.2 ball recoveries per game too, via Sofascore.
Dyche could certainly do worse than the Ivorian international, who has that crucial Premier League experience which he has made such a big prerequisite of his targets.
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