Everton are a side set to be significantly hamstrung yet again this summer in the transfer market.
Their self-imposed financial restraints, enforced in an effort to dodge the Premier League’s PSR, have been woefully exposed as unsuccessful this season, with the damage done before Kevin Thelwell’s appointment already too large to be undone.
As such, Sean Dyche has had to contend with a truly terrible campaign, wrought by an imposition for which he is not to blame.
And yet, one report has still emerged predicting a big summer, starting with one signing which does on paper seem likely.
After all, Jack Harrison has swiftly become a favourite of the 52-year-old tactician.
Everton in ‘pole position’ for Jack Harrison transfer
Having joined on loan from Leeds United in the summer, it was widely recognised that the Toffees had pulled off a shrewd piece of business to acquire a tricky goalscoring winger who had just the season prior been playing Premier League football.
He perfectly plugged a gap for Everton, and crucially for a cut price too.
And now, as noted by TEAMtalk, they could be set to turn that temporary deal into a permanent one, despite rumours having emerged earlier in the season suggesting the Whites would command £30m for his signature.
Regardless, the report in question writes that Everton are ‘very much on pole position for his signature’, despite alternative interest.
It is also suggested that a new price of just £20m has been agreed to sanction his sale, which starts to seem a more agreeable figure for the cash-strapped Thelwell.
Sean Dyche should drop Jack Harrison
Although this might mark a fine piece of business, trusting in him to turn good eventually, it has not been the hugely impactful campaign that some would have wanted from the 27-year-old winger.
Especially after former Everton midfielder and current pundit Leon Osman had expressed his love for the speedster during his time at Elland Road, even touting him for England one day.
But with just three goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League this season, Dyche has every right to be commanding more from one of his two mainstays, with Harrison and Dwight McNeil seldom getting dropped despite neither really setting the world alight.
So, even with plans to acquire him permanently, the former Burnley boss might actually be better served dropping Harrison in the near future in order to freshen up the side.
Especially with Arnaut Danjuma expected to be back soon, hopefully following this three-week break from league action.
The Dutchman deserves a run in the team, and whether it be at the expense of either of the aforementioned wide men matters not. Dyche has to try something different though.