Harry Redknapp has tipped Everton to be among the challengers for the Champions League next season.

Ronald Koeman is approaching the end of his first campaign in charge of the Merseyside outfit following his arrival from Southampton last summer as Roberto Martinez's replacement.

As it stands, the Toffees sit seventh in the Premier League table, just three points adrift of the top five and seven behind a Champions League place.

Things are looking up for Everton as there is a new waterfront stadium on the horizon and shareholder Farhad Moshiri has the funds to make the club serious players in the transfer market this summer.

Redknapp believes that qualifying for the Champions League will be a step too far for Everton this season, but he is confident that the club will be among the fight in the 2017-18 campaign.

In an interview with the club's official website, Redknapp said:

"Certainly next year I can see them having a real run at the top four. I’m sure they’ll strengthen again in the summer and, for me, they’ll join that top six and be another team in that mix as to who makes the top four.”

Since the turn of the year, the team have lost just twice in 12 Premier League appearances, but in their last two outings they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Merseyside rivals Liverpool and relinquished the lead to draw 1-1 with Manchester United.

Next up for Koeman's men is a clash against Leicester City on home turf on Sunday.

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