Everton have been one of the most active teams in the transfer market already, despite having yet to actually add anyone to their squad.
But, in the media, their name has been relentlessly mentioned, seemingly in for a whole host of cut-price stars.
One such example is Everton’s interest in Kalvin Phillips, which came as a surprise to many.
However, it could actually make perfect sense for the 28-year-old seeking to rekindle a struggling career at a club desperately seeking to rise back up the Premier League table.
Ally McCoist fears for the future of Kalvin Phillips
Speaking on talkSPORT earlier this morning, Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist were both in agreement when discussing the latest transfer rumours.
After all, touching on the topic of Manchester City’s £45m man’s move to Everton, they suggested that Sean Dyche was the perfect man to reignite his floundering career.
The former began: ‘I expected he would go back to Leeds. But. I think Sean Dyche could be just the right man for Kalvin Phillips.’
His Scottish co-host would agree, but did provide a cautionary tale: ‘Yeah. I don’t disagree. He’s, for want of a better description, completely lost his way, hasn’t he? Which is a great shame.
‘I’d be devastated if he went down the road of a Dele Alli, for example. I just think he’s still got an awful lot to offer, and you’re right. The right coach could be everything to him, and Sean Dyche could be that kind of man.
‘But I really feel for him. Nobody likes to see a career declining, but it is actually. The form has dipped, he’s not playing enough games, he’s nowhere near the England squad.
‘Something has to give, and you just hope he gets a wee break somewhere. Whether it’s Everton and Sean Dyche I’m not so sure, but it wouldn’t be the worst move for him.’
Everton could secure their next Gareth Barry-type figure
Securing a struggling and underrated central midfielder from Manchester City on loan to help solidify their engine room for a cut price? Sounds familiar.
Back in 2013, as Roberto Martinez sought to put his stamp on the Everton side he had just inherited, he was forced to look long and hard in the market.
After all, the club were not flush with cash, and therefore any additions would have to be cut-price ones.
Returning to Wigan Athletic for James McCarthy and Aroune Kone, whilst also swooping for Joel Robles too, it was instead the loanees who really stole the show.
Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea provided the firepower up front, whilst Barcelona’s Gerard Deulofeu boasted pure magic out wide.
Gareth Barry, though, snagged from the Etihad, went under the radar given his age and declining reputation.
However, it could be argued that he had the biggest influence of all three, and would go on to join permanently and make 155 appearances for the Toffees before leaving a hero.
He offered a sturdy, calming presence in the midfield, with the quality to accept the ball and progress play, but also the athleticism and intelligence to screen the back four.
Phillips actually boasts plenty of similarities with Barry, and could well be that same shrewd loanee figure who propels Everton to unlikely success next season.