Everton’s perilous financial position means that they will have to search for bargains in underrated and less obvious places.
Sean Dyche is well aware of the barriers that remain in place for his club, but is clearly content with overseeing such a troublesome period in the Toffees’ history.
They could not ask for a better manager given their predicament, and in turn, he is relishing the opportunity to lead such a historic institution of English football.
However, he is not simply content with just being around for the ride. He wants to succeed, and to do so after their last Premier League campaign, signings are needed.
Now, it seems they are closing in on one that would certainly bolster their ranks.
Everton close in on signing Maxime Esteve
The latest comes from French outlet L’Equipe, who claim that Everton have already entered talks with Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve as they seek to extend his stay in the Premier League.
Having only moved to England in January, it is clear the impact he has already had on the scouts on Merseyside, who are imploring Dyche to make a move.
The report reads: ‘Since his arrival in January, Maxime Estève (22 years old, under contract until 2028) has played all the Premier League matches with Burnley.
‘Despite the relegation of his club, the former central defender kept an important rating in the English first division. West Ham and Everton have started preliminary discussions to try to bring the Frenchman. Estève arrived in January from Montpellier for €12 million (£10m).’
He could well be a good fit for Everton, given he has already admitted that he loved last season’s relegation battle: ‘I like it so much. Just the weather is not the best! But the coaches and the staff are really fantastic.
‘I progress from January and now I have so much responsibility. I’ve learnt so many things here and I love the club, the fans. I’m very happy here. It’s beautiful, I love it.’
Kevin Thelwell to repeat his James Tarkowski masterclass
The last time Burnley were in the top-flight and got relegated, Everton were afforded the pick of their star men, with Dyche having only just left Turf Moor a few months prior.
At that point, Frank Lampard was still in charge of the Toffees, and had just overseen safety during the 2021/22 season.
He was hoping to consolidate that, and in doing so snagged Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski from the Clarets, the latter on a free transfer.
To now once again return to this club to steal a star centre-back feels awfully familiar, and whilst he is a far younger option than the 30-year-old vice-captain of Everton, should he prove half as successful it would certainly mark a triumph for Kevin Thelwell.
Esteve has only been in England for six months, but has already made a big impact.
Unable to stop Vincent Kompany’s side from falling back into the Championship, he still gained vital experience, starting 15 Premier League games, managing an 84% pass accuracy, and averaging 1.7 tackles, 3.4 clearances and 3.9 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Given his youth, the 22-year-old could mark a shrewd and intelligent piece of cut-price business once again from Thelwell.