The 2021/22 season might have only just ended for Everton, but there are already a lot of thoughts being shared around the transfer window.
Frank Lampard and Kevin Thelwell are, no doubt, set for a busy summer as they attempt to rebuild the club after a sorry season. Surviving in the Premier League in dramatic fashion was certainly emotional, but now the work must be done to make sure that never happens again.
A number of players are set to leave Goodison Park upon the expiry of their contracts, while others might be sold as the Blues look to reinvest into other areas of the squad. With Everton's financial situation well-documented, it will be interesting to see how much money those in charge will allow in terms of transfer expenditure.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard might have new selling point for Everton in transfer market
READ MORE: Donny van de Beek sends Everton message ahead of Manchester United return
But in an ideal, and still relatively realistic, situation over the course of the next few months - how could the Everton squad shape up?
In terms of goalkeepers, the situation seems pretty clear for the Blues. They have taken up the option on Asmir Begovic's contract to keep him for another season as he provides back-up for Jordan Pickford.
For a third choice, Andy Lonergan is likely to be leaving the club - but young options in Joao Virginia and Harry Tyrer are available. The Portuguese is being linked with a permanent move away, however, so the latter would be the ideal candidate to step up.
For the defence, things could change a lot depending on the system Lampard wants to set up with. Will he continue to use three centre-backs, or will he go with two in the future?
Regardless you'd think that another right-back would be on the cards with Jonjoe Kenny likely to be leaving, with Nathan Patterson coming back from injury and Seamus Coleman finding more joy as a third central defender recently. On the opposite flank, the return of Niels Nkounkou from loan will provide back-up to Vitalii Mykolenko.
There's big decisions to be made in terms of the central defence, though. Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey seem likely to stay put, with the former particularly performing very well under Lampard towards the end of the term.
But what about Michael Keane and Yerry Mina? The former has struggled for consistent form, while the latter can't seem to keep himself fit and is in the last year of his contract with the club.
A scenario could play out in which both are no longer Everton players. In that case, you'd expect two new players in that position to be sought, with the perfect scenario for Jarrad Branthwaite perhaps seeing him move out on loan.
Midfield is another area which will no doubt depend on the system Lampard and Thelwell settle on for the future, but there are likely to be changes. Fabian Delph is at the end of his contract, Andre Gomes has both struggled for consistent form in recent seasons and Jean-Philippe Gbamin could well be seeking a permanent switch after a successful loan with CSKA Moscow.
In that case, you'd perhaps expect two new midfielders to be sought. One defensive-minded with a good ability to seek possession and use it efficiently, the other more forward-thinking and creative - but energetic and tenacious at the same time.
If we're talking about an *ideal* scenario, then surely up front is an area Everton actually find themselves fairly well-stocked for the time-being at least. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison both have major speculation surrounding their futures, but realistically if Lampard can find the best form out of both then the perfect situation for the club sees them staying put.
Demarai Gray has proven strong since his move last summer, and Andros Townsend was consistently hard-working and arguably had the best crossing ability in the squad. Add in the exciting emergence of Anthony Gordon this term and the promise for more development, and that's a front line that shouldn't be near the relegation zone.
In a truly perfect scenario, perhaps Everton can find someone more suited to the side the Salomon Rondon. His one league goal over 2021/22 wasn't nearly enough, despite some improved performances towards the end.
After all this, a special mention must go to the youngsters who could well emerge and find themselves with increased game time this season. Isaac Price recently made his Premier League debut against Arsenal, and no doubt he'll be looking for more next season.
Lewis Dobbin has been a regular feature around the first team for a while now, with Reece Welch and Tyler Onyango both taking part in senior training sessions too. Meanwhile Stanley Mills had a very impressive season with the under-23s, and it could be time for the versatile youngster to see if he can make the step up.
How Everton's 2022/23 squad could look
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Begovic, Tyrer
Defenders: Patterson, NEW RB, Coleman, Holgate, Godfrey, NEW CB, NEW CB, Mykolenko, Nkounkou
Midfielders: Allan, Doucoure, Iwobi, NEW CM, NEW CM, Davies, Dele
Forwards: Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, NEW ST, Gray, Gordon, Townsend
Emerging youngsters: Welch, Onyango, Price, Mills, Dobbin
