Marco Silva seems determined to polish his tarnished reputation in the Premier League. His first stint in the country with Watford did not end on a positive note but the Portuguese tactician seems to be on a mission, having signed for Everton.
He is a decent coach and can bring the best out of youngster but he needs established stars to take Everton closer to the top of the points table. He has already added a few exciting names to his side from the previous season but one player he is desperate to land is Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.
The Ivory Coast winger is easily one of the best players in his role in the league and is wanted by a host of clubs in the top flight. However, Palace are now ready to hold on to Zaha for another year and have slapped a price tag of £70m on his services, effectively pricing Everton out. So how can Silva replace him? Here are three alternatives for Everton to consider this summer.
Richarlison (Watford):
The 21-year old Brazilian moved to England just last summer with Watford and has taken no time to make a name for himself in the English top flight. He lost some form towards the latter stages of last season but was superb at the beginning, showing maturity beyond his age. The Hornets will want to keep him for another season but it was Silva who signed him at Vicarage Road and could well do the same, this time at Goodison Park.
Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City):
Inching closer to a move to the Reds of Merseyside, Shaqiri is probably the best player to be relegated from the top flight last season. He was not at his best for Stoke City but has the quality to trouble the best of defences. Jurgen Klopp wants him as a backup to his first-team stars but Everton and Silva can lure him away, offering regular game time. He has a release clause of just £13m and is an absolute steal. So Everton should be all over him if they miss out on Zaha.
Gelson Martins:
A transfer target for Atletico Madrid, Martins has slowly established himself as one of the most versatile players in Europe at the moment. At just 23, he is a long-term option and having terminated his contract with Sporting recently, will be available on the cheap. He has great temperament and can turn into a match winner for the Toffees in the years to come.
