Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere are reported transfer targets for Everton this summer.
Silva and new director of football Marcel Brands supposedly see the pair as part of a transformation to turn Everton into a top six side; something that was planned last year, too.
And that is exactly why these two moves make so much sense at this point in Everton’s rebuild; an out-of-contract player and a loan signing offer the kind of low-risk investment that buys the club time and opportunity.
Both players would add creativity, drive and experience to Everton’s midfield – all things sorely needed – but without dependency on either as they can cover themselves; if Wilshere is not a success, there is a good chance Loftus-Cheek fills that void, and vice versa.
In a summer where chances will have to be taken, that is a level of stability that it is difficult to put a price on – and here it is for next to nothing.
Last summer saw Everton left with a disjointed squad; the Toffees were left without control in midfield, without pace, without a functioning striker, without a competent defence.
With that much change needed, one summer will not cut it. But when you bring in two quality players who fill a problem position, as well as both being versatile to cover elsewhere, the Toffees would be allowed freedom to spend more elsewhere this summer, to take an extra chance a year earlier than they otherwise would have.
As Everton rebuild with Silva and Brands, that time and money will prove invaluable.
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