Everton are not just in the midst of another crucial managerial search, but are in the middle of an important January transfer window as well.
The Blues sacked Rafa Benitez at the weekend having effectively put the manager in charge of the club's recruitment strategy following the departure of Marcel Brands as director of football in December.
Three players have already come through the doors at Goodison Park over the course of this month so far, with only one making his debut under the boss that brought him to the club.
Now Everton find themselves on the hunt for a new manager once again, with it not expected that any transfer business will take place while a replacement is sought.
If the new boss arrives before the end of the January window, there could be a number of important transfer questions to answer in the remaining days.
On Tuesday, the club confirmed Duncan Ferguson will take charge "for upcoming games" and "an announcement on a permanent managerial appointment will be made in due course."
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Priority positions
Everton have already addressed two of these priority positions in this transfer window, of course.
One of them was long overdue, with a long-term successor for Seamus Coleman at right-back being on the agenda for a number of years before this winter.
Nathan Patterson has filled that role and is still awaiting his Blues debut, while Vitalii Mykolenko has somewhat allayed fears of a shortage on the opposite side of defence.
After the arrival of Anwar El Ghazi on loan from Aston Villa for the remainder of the campaign, Everton now need to identify targets for other areas of the pitch.
With days running out in the current transfer window and with money still proving sparing thanks to Financial Fair Play regulations, more additions could potentially prove to be difficult.
But central midfield could certainly be one area in which the Blues look to strengthen, with Sean Longstaff's name being linked while Benitez was in place at Goodison.
Additions in that area could still prove to be a priority depending on the system the new manager opts to use, but it's yet to be seen if similar names could be on the list.
Meanwhile, some have suggested that centre-back could still be an area for Everton to explore their options.
The fitness of Yerry Mina and the fluctuating form of others in that position across the course of the campaign has left questions hanging over the futures of those currently at the club.
If anyone was to leave, could a viable replacement be sought?
New deals
There's one particular player that jumps to the minds of many when thinking about new Everton deals.
Lewis Dobbin has been the source of much debate over recent weeks and months as the young forward has continued his rapid progression through the ranks to find himself on the cusp of the senior side.
Having made a few Premier League appearances this season, many have been calling for the youngster to get more minutes in the squad to convince him to put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
He's coming to the end of his current deal when the 2021/22 campaign comes to a close, and there's little doubt there willbe a host of parties interested in taking him on a free this summer.
The new manager may well have to make a decision on the talented forward. Either make assurances that a path of progression is there at Goodison Park, or allow him to leave at the end of the year.
Not an easy task.
But there's also a decision to be made on Asmir Begovic, who signed a one-year deal with the club last year - with the option of an extension.
Andy Lonergan is similarly coming to the end of his deal, so perhaps taking up the option on his teammate's contract would be something of a no-brainer.
Mina is another player at the centre of some new contract debate, with his deal set to run out in the summer of 2023.
It's coming to decision time on the centre-back, and that could be an early task for the new manager to take on.
Outgoing needs
If there is to be incoming business at Everton, you'd still expect there to be a need for outgoing business as well.
A number of other players are coming to the end of their current contracts at the club when the 2021/22 campaign comes to a conclusion.
The club could perhaps look to secure deals for these stars before the end of the current transfer window.
Jonjoe Kenny is one of those players approaching the end of his contract, and the arrival of Patterson could further limit his opportunities over the course of the term.
Cenk Tosun has also been linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window, although recent reports have suggested it might be more likely the striker stays.
Decisions may have to be made in terms of loans for some players too, with Ellis Simms potentially looking for another temporary switch away from Goodison after the success of his last spell.
