Our writers have their say on which realistic signing the Blues could make this summer

Chris Beesley – Remember the name, especially if DCL departs

So if we’re looking at realistic potential transfer targets for Everton this summer, we probably best start with free agents.

The Blues could do with a bit of pace – especially going forward – but I fear that there might be more PSR issues if they tried to lure Kylian Mbappe to Goodison Park for its final season and even an offer of free meals at the Hot Wok might not be enough to get a deal for the Frenchman over the line.

Perhaps a more-realistic proposition might be Che Adams of Southampton? It remains to be seen whether the Saints make an instant return to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs but either way the 27-year-old might decide it’s an opportune time for a fresh challenge after five years at St Mary’s. Director of football Kevin Thelwell is understood to have had talks to sign Adams last summer before the club eventually splashed out £25.75million on Beto but the Scotland international who will be 28 by the time next season kicks off, is proven at this level and could bolster Sean Dyche’s attacking options for a minimal outlay.

Someone like Adams might prove even more important if Dominic Calvert-Lewin was to depart given that the current first choice striker – one of only four players to net 50 Premier League goals for the club – is about to enter the final 12 months of his current contract and claimed after the 1-1 draw at Luton Town that he had not thought about a new deal.

The Blues missed out on the signature of Mark Everton Walters when he chose neighbours Liverpool over them in 1991 and despite ongoing rumours, they never lured Brazilian Everton Soares to Merseyside so perhaps it’s time they snapped up a certain Che Zach Everton Fred Adams?

Matt Jones – Ndidi would help solve midfield confusion

Plotting potential signings for Everton this summer take you to one a number of lists online documenting the free agents available.

Kylian Mbappe’s contract is expiring? Not sure he would quite fit Sean Dyche’s style of play.

In all seriousness, there are going to be gaps to fill across the squad. Out wide Everton are clearly lacking in numbers and perhaps any limited funds they do have will need to be spent on bolstering those positions.

Central midfield is another area to focus on. Idrissa Gueye’s contract is up in the summer – Everton could activate a one-year extension on his deal – while Dele and Andre Gomes are almost certain to move on. Amadou Onana is also attracting interest from potential suitors and could be cashed in on to help solve some financial woes.

With that in mind, it would not be a shock to see Everton take a look at Wilfried Ndidi, who has just helped Leicester City back to the Premier League.

The Nigerian international was once coveted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, although his stock has suffered in recent years as the Foxes have stuttered. However, he has experience, could be an ideal fit for the way Sean Dyche wants to play and – provided wages are sensible – would be cheap too, as his contract is expiring his summer.

Competition for his signature would be no surprise given the 27-year-old’s reputation. However, the chance to be a key player in the Premier League would surely appeal to Ndidi and in Dyche, he has a coach who could bring out the best in his game once again.