EVERTON could be set for a shape up next season with Carlo Ancelotti linked with the likes of Jack Grealish, Jesse Lingard and Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Toffees jumped from 19th to 12th in the table after Italian Ancelotti replaced Marco Silva in December 2019.
And despite the coronavirus pandemic bringing the season to a halt, the former Chelsea boss has already started preparations to strengthen his side.
Ancelotti believes the market will be affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, which could cause a slash in transfer fees following the economical crisis.
He said: “Footballers and coaches will earn less and tickets will cost less because people will have less money.
“The economy will change at every level and we have to get ready.”
It comes as Everton joined Manchester United in the race for Aston Villa skipper Grealish.
Villa are said to value the playmaker at £80million, though the price tag could be halved should the club get relegated.
Grealish has operated mainly as a left-winger this term, but can also play in an advanced midfield role suitable to Ancelotti’s preferred 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations.
Everton rejected an £85m bid from Barcelona for Brazilian Richarlison in January, who is capable of playing out wide or through the middle, with the forward part of Ancelotti’s long-term plans.
Everton have joined Man Utd in the race for Jack GrealishCredit: PA:Press Association
Ancelotti is ready to give Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard a lifeline
Grealish and Richarlison could act as wide options with England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin impressing this season scoring 15 goals and currently on track to lead the line for Everton next season.
As the Toffees battle United for Grealish, they are also reportedly preparing to hand Old Trafford misfit Lingard a lifeline.
The England midfielder has failed to hold down a regular starting spot for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, and Ancelotti has room for the playmaker either on the wing or in midfield.
Lingard is capable for playing in the No10 role, or in a three-man midfield, alongside creative stars Gylfi Sigurdsson and Tom Davies.
Spaniard Andre Gomes has been a favourite of Ancelotti’s since returning from injury, though it remains to be seen whether he can cement his place as a regular starter next season following a transfer window.
Everton also have Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin in their squad, both capable of playing in a holding midfield role.
Ancelotti’s summer priority is said to be Lille centre-back Magalhaes, with the Premier League club closing in on a £30m deal.
He will likely slot in next to Yerry Mina, with English pair Michael Keane and Mason Holgate providing further competition.
At right-back Djibril Sidibe has made 24 appearances this season, three more than Seamus Coleman, but Monaco have the option to recall the Frenchman.
Left-back Lucas Digne has made the more appearances than any other Everton defender this season, and looks set to hold his place as a regular in the squad next season.
Everton also look likely to stick with England stopper Jordan Pickford, who has so far only kept six clean sheets in the league.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
