According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Everton have agreed deals to sign midfielders James Rodriguez and Allan.
He claims a medical is in the planning for Allan, while the final details have been agreed with Real Madrid for Colombian icon James.
It seems likely Carlo Ancelotti will stick with the 4-4-2 system he used for much of last season.
That offers a natural question about where traditional number 10 Rodriguez may fit in.
Allan’s combative style should make him ideally suited to a role in a two-man midfield pairing.
Andre Gomes is the most promising potential partner, if he can rediscover the form which made him such a hit during his loan spell – before injury hit last term.
Rodriguez might be best suited to cutting in from the right, but Ancelotti has worked with him twice and will know what’s best.
That would allow Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison to continue as a front duo, but there are alternatives.
The Brazilian could return to the left wing – where Anthony Gordon will hope to have a breakthrough season – with Moise Kean up front under his countryman Ancelotti.
Even with the same format of players we’ve got below, Ancelotti could switch it up to a 4-2-3-1, by shifting Rodriguez inside and Richarlison wide.
Getting Rodriguez would be so exciting, then it would be up to Ancelotti to use him in the best possible way.
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