OPINION
Everton have been one of the slowest movers in the transfer window this summer and with less than a week to go until the market slams shut on Marco Silva, fans will be hoping that they can get some late business done – or face the consequences.
Richarlison and Lucas Digne are both exciting signings in their respective positions but they simply are not enough if the Toffees want to achieve their ultimate goals of breaking into the top six, having finished eighth last season.
Doing so would see European football return to Goodison Park next season, but it is undoubtedly a tough task to ask of the current squad, who, while possessing great quality in the first team, lack the depth to mount a serious challenge for the entire campaign.
That much must change, and one area which is an evident weak spot for Silva is the centre back role, having already seen Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori head out from Merseyside.
It seems as though the Portuguese boss is already addressing the issue but with only days until the window shuts, he may well have a difficult decision to make.
Teamtalk claim that in chasing Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo this summer, the Toffees have told their north west neighbours that they would be satisfied taking either Chris Smalling or Victor Lindelof from Old Trafford, the former permanently and the latter on loan.
With the triple hunt seemingly on the cards, Silva might have to decide who he really wants, and while Rojo seems his first choice, a temporary swoop for the 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) Swedish international is in fact perfect for the Toffees.
Not only will he not cost as much to snap up, but he will not be a long term signing, which on paper sounds counter-productive until you consider that Mason Holgate is waiting in the wings.
A talented youngster, Holgate’s development will be harmed by a new permanent capture due to a lack of first team action, and so he could do without the added competition.
As such, having Lindelof, who himself is a worthy addition to the squad, will boost the Toffees’ hopes this season while keeping their homegrown starlet in reserve – and who knows, perhaps Lindelof will become a permanent addition.