Five players who could fire Everton into top-four challenge; Including Swansea star

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Everton have fallen adrift of the race for the top four this season, although the future could be bright if they recruit wisely this summer.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the match

Everton look likely to miss out on a spot in the top-five, and subsequently slip away from the Champions League places, this season as they approach the final weeks of their Premier League campaign.

Ronald Koeman’s side have proven to be tough opposition, with star-man Romelu Lukaku currently the Premier League’s leading goal scorer.

The Toffees however, have failed to find consistency to match the level of quality in the side, winning only two of their six games in April, resulting in them falling short of the challenge for the top four this season.

Everton have shown they have the basis to push on next season, but what signings should Koeman bring in to strengthen that top-five push?

Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford

Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford

Sunderland’s number one Jordan Pickford looks likely to depart the club this summer, after defeat to Bournemouth last weekend confirmed the Black Cats’ relegation to the Championship.

He has been one of few shining lights in an otherwise dire season for David Moyes’ side, alongside the ever-reliable Jermaine Defoe.

The Metro reports that Everton are closing in on a £17million deal for the 23-year-old and his signing could provide a high quality Goalkeeper with a lot of years ahead of him, offering an assured and reliable pair of hands between the sticks.

Attacking Midfield – Gylfi Sigurdsson

Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson celebrates after scoring their first goal

Swansea City are another team facing the drop, being only in with a fighting chance of survival due to the exploits of the brilliant Gylfi Sigurdsson.

It was Sigurdsson’s wonderfully struck free-kick that rescued a point for the Swans against Manchester United and they will surely look to him in the remainder of the season to drag them over the line.

The 27-year-old Iceland international would provide a creative spark in midfield for the Toffees, offering an accurate passing range as well his lethal ability on set-pieces.

Forward – Sandro Ramirez

Sandro Ramirez has been in impressive form for Malaga this season, scoring 15 goals in 28 games for the La Liga outfit.

His performances have attracted interest from a number of clubs, with the former Barcelona man believed to have a release clause of around £5million, reports the Mirror.

Malaga forward Sandro shoots

The 21-year-old could form a dangerous partnership with Romelu Lukaku or alternatively be a strong replacement for the Belgian should he leave the club in the summer, with his pace and confident ability on the ball, coupled with his deadly finishing, providing a formidable attacking threat for Everton.

Winger – Wilfried Zaha

Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha in action with Burnley’s Stephen Ward

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has been impressive for the Eagles this season following a failed move to Manchester United.

The 24-year-old has been crucial in the clinical counter-attacking football under Sam Allardyce that has seen them claim big wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Ivory Coast international has been linked with Tottenham this season but his frightening pace and trickery would be a potent weapon for Ronald Koeman’s side and add an extra outlet on the counter-attack.

Holding Midfield – Wilfred Ndidi

West Bromwich Albion’s James Morrison in action with Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi

Leicester City’s answer to the departure of N’Golo Kante; Wilfried Ndidi has proved his worth in the Premier League and has cemented himself as a key player in the Foxes team this season.

The 20-year-old Nigerian would be an ideal replacement for 36-year-old Gareth Barry, providing a confident passing range and strong defensive protection to the ageing spine of the Everton defence.

His height and heading ability would also offer additional threat on set-pieces for Ronald Koeman’s side as would his confidence on the ball and his willingness to shoot from range.

Everton may have fallen adrift of those top places this season, but the future looks bright and a busy summer transfer window ahead could provide Koeman’s side with missing pieces to make his side genuine contenders at the top of the Premier League.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri in the stands