Everton are spoilt for choice at centre back with Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate all at the club, which means bringing in someone like Chris Smalling would not improve them, according to former striker Marcus Bent.

With the Toffees set to appoint Rafa Benitez as their new manager, he will likely look to build from the back and ensure that they are solid defensively, much like during his time with Newcastle United, so links with new centre backs may be expected.

Smalling fell out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer which saw him seal a move to Roma where he excelled during his initial loan spell with a 7.00 WhoScored rating, before seeing performances slightly dip last season with a 6.65 rating. However, that has not put off reports suggesting a move to Goodison Park could be on the cards.

Everton had the worst goal difference of any side in the top half of the Premier League last season but bringing in the 6 ft 4 former Red Devil would not add anything that they don't already have, according to Bent who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

"He's no better than Keane, Mina or Godfrey so I don't think they will replace any of them with him as I think they're very happy with Keane, Godfrey and Mina."

Despite spending £448.98 million in the last four seasons, it is likely that Everton will be looking to spend big against his summer to try and eventually crack into the top six, something West Ham achieved as they shopped smart in the transfer market.

The Toffees started last season like a train, losing just one of their opening eight fixtures but it was to be a false dawn as they ended the season in a disappointing 10th, behind teams such as Leeds United and West Ham.