Everton failed to bring in a centre-back and let Phil Jagielka go, which has left them with hugely limited options.
Jagielka decided against renewing Jagielka’s contract at the end of last season, in the belief that they could get Kurt Zouma back.
Zouma had spent last season on loan at Everton and impressed, and Marco Silva’s side desperately wanted him back from Chelsea.
However, Frank Lampard’s side’s transfer ban complicated things and Everton had to pull out of the deal.
The Toffees then set about finding another centre-back to bring in, but failed with numerous bids for targets.
Everton may now be regretting letting Jagielka go, as they are so short on numbers at the back.
Silva has picked Michael Keane and Yerry Mina as his first choice defensive pairing, but Mason Holgate is the only other senior option in central defence in his squad.
Jagielka had shown signs of age towards the end of his time at Everton, but he arguably could have been a useful squad member this term, given the paucity of choice.
And, with Jagielka set to return to Everton at the weekend with his new club Sheffield United, the Goodison Park crowd may be wishing that he was offered another year on his contract.
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