Everton are a club who often aren’t afraid to splash the cash but under new manager Rafa Benitez, Goodison Park has a very different feel to it.
They have added the likes of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend to their ranks but further bodies are essential if they are to find themselves in European football again.
What’s the word?
Everton were linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek back in June as the Blues planned a mass exodus after winning the Champions League.
The England international spent last term on loan at Fulham but was relegated during his time with the Cottagers.
However, according to a fresh report, his parent club are set to loan him out again in a bid to help him get his career back on track.
It’s thought that Germany remains a big option for Chelsea when considering the 25-year-old’s next destination.
Rafa must sign him
Even if the Toffees can’t secure his signature on a permanent basis, landing him for a temporary stint in Merseyside would undoubtedly be a wise move.
Everton look unlikely to spend anywhere close to some recent sums in years gone by and thus, Loftus-Cheek would be a shrewd option for Benitez.
They sit in a position where the likes of Fabian Delph, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes have all been linked with the exit door and if they lose a trio of central midfielders, the head coach will undoubtedly need to find replacements.
However, what makes Loftus-Cheek such an appealing signing is his box to box nature.
Everton have a rich history when it comes to goal scoring midfielders; all you need to do is think of Tim Cahill or Marouane Fellaini leaping high to head home.
The Chelsea midfielder isn’t as dominant in the air but he’s a robust individual capable of offering something completely different to Benitez’s midfield.
At the moment, they currently have a host of more defensive-minded players in the middle of the park with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan usually being utilised in those areas.
They form a brutal bond in central positions but by acquiring the Chelsea man, they could score more goals from deep.
Loftus-Cheek, who was described as “exceptional” by Scott Parker last season, once netted ten times in a single campaign for the London side.
Injuries have since plagued the £150k-per-week earner but he is still a wonderful box to box player who could add plenty to their squad.