OPINION
Everton have been left licking their wounds after a bitterly disappointing Premier League campaign which saw them fail to hit the expected heights.
The Toffees were among the big spenders last summer, splashing the cash for the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Davy Klaassen, but despite the hefty fees the new signings left much to be desired.
Their inability to perform to the standards demanded at Goodison Park saw them slip into an early relegation battle and although Sam Allardyce rescued them from their plight, their was still much discontent in the blue half of Merseyside.
There may well be an expectation to see the same sort of spending this summer in a bid to try and crack the top six, a feat many have tried and failed to do constantly, but among the bloated transfer fees there will be one or two bargains that the Toffees should be looking to pounce on.
One of those involves proven Premier League powerhouse Craig Dawson, who is said by the Express to be hunted by Leicester City, who hope to make the most of a £3million release clause in his contract after West Brom’s relegation.
With 153 top flight appearances under his belt, the 28-year-old knows what it takes to battle it out, and despite the Baggies’ fall into the second tier, he was one of the few shining lights.
Everton need to be looking at their back line, with the ageing Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka still regulars, and at £3million, Dawson’s capture – even with the £4million agent fees reported – is an absolute steal, bringing a proven talent when other risky signings have failed over the past 12 months.