Everton fans are far from happy with the goings-on at the club this season.
Everton have endured a topsy turvy season with three managers at the helm so far.
Ronald Koeman was axed and Sam Allardyce appointed his replacement after a long running saga to find a successor which saw David Unsworth take temporary charge.
The Toffees look likely to survive despite three defeats in their last four games but that is little consolation for fans who were expecting to mount an ambitious challenge on the European places.
While not entirely safe yet, another win or two in the last nine will allow the Toffees time to take stock and identify where things went wrong in what was expected to be an exciting season.
Much of the blame has been placed on the club’s failure to bolster their forward line sufficiently after the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Oumar Niasse has come in from the cold with some crucial goals but big money signing Cenk Tosun has failed to catch fire so far after arriving in January.
While midtable mediocrity is not what Everton fans were hoping for this season, it does give the club the distinct advantage of planning ahead in terms of recruitment for next season.
Recruitment was poor overall last summer and whether Allardyce remains in charge next season or not, they could do a lot worse than target these three struggling stars at Premier League rivals Watford, Stoke City and Southampton.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri has been criticised at times this season for a perceived lack of commitment on the pitch and failing to track back.
But it is at the other end where he could be a revelation for the Toffees with his skill, pace and strength.
Shaqiri’s price tag would undoubtedly vary wildly depending on what division Stoke are playing in next season.
But Everton would represent a big step up for the Swiss forward.
Richarlison
Watford’s Brazilian striker was one of the hottest properties in the Premier League earlier this season after a flying start to life in England.
Five goals and as many assists saw the likes of Chelsea linked with the 20-year-old but his form has dipped with no goals in his last 18 games.
Like Shaqiri, Richarlison has the pace, power and skill Everton need to bridge the gap to the Premier League elite but would likely have to break the bank to get their man, which should not be a problem under Farhad Moshiri’s regime.
Nathan Redmond
The tricky winger was looking a sure bet for the England World Cup squad off the back of his superb form for Southampton since joining them from Norwich City.
But he has barely featured under Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino since a 5-2 thrashing by Tottenham on Boxing Day.
Like Shaqiri and Richarlison, Redmond possesses that expensive commodity, pace and again his price tag would depend on the outcome of Southampton’s survival battle.
With Walcott and Redmond on either side and the likes of Shaqiri and Richarlison up front suddenly the Blues start to look the real deal if the trio can rediscover their best form at Goodison Park.
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