Everton enjoyed what seemed like a fine summer of recruitment, where they painfully bid farewell to Richarlison only to reinvest the £60m gained on eight new faces.

Of those recruits, three were brought in to bolster the midfield alongside an Alex Iwobi transformed under Frank Lampard.

Although the Nigerian has been a creative standout this season, boasting six goal contributions already this season, it still somehow feels like something is missing on Merseyside to complete that midfield.

There is too much emphasis on defensive solidity, which often leaves little room for transition between the back four and the front three.

That could explain the recent interest the Toffees have reportedly gained in Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Outlined by journalist Simon Phillips just last week, the Toffees are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Lampard keen on the player.

The £120k-per-week maestro boasts a hulking frame, but poise and skillfulness that makes him a remarkable physical asset to have. This likely played into the notion that he was an “animal" despite his youth, as claimed by journalist Aaron Stokes.

In their midfield, he could provide that much-needed link between defence and attack, and in the process revitalise a career that seems to have stalled at Stamford Bridge.

Despite having featured 14 times for Graham Potter’s side in the Premier League, the 26-year-old has been forced to play as an unorthodox wingback with varied success.

Should he move to Goodison Park, his pedigree alone would make him a star man and someone who would dictate where they play due to their impressive displays.

This was no better exemplified than during his loan spell at Crystal Palace, where the 6 foot 2 star earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the 2018 Russia World Cup.

Despite being shoehorned out wide, Loftus-Cheek has not abandoned the key principles that led him to be dubbed a “classy player” by journalist Kieran Gill.

He ranks in the top 3% for dribbles completed, and the top 9% for touches in the attacking penalty area, suggesting that for Everton he would pick up the ball from deep and drive into attacking spaces.

 Ever since the departure of Ross Barkley, they have lacked a strong ball carrier, and with the London-born ace, they could have found the perfect man to complete their midfield.