Toffees fans in the Transfer Tavern are rightly optimistic for next season as they look to build upon what has been an outstanding year at Goodison Park.

Ronald Koeman has delivered an exciting brand of football to the Merseyside club and a renewed belief that the Toffees can compete for silverware in the near future.

Everton are on the brink of European qualification and Ronald Koeman must ensure the squad is prepared to do battle on all fronts next season.

The Dutch maestro has begun to address the issue of the ageing Everton squad with the additions of Ademola Lookman and Morgan Schneiderlin in the January window.

Our landlord believes the summer break will be critical for Everton to address the deficiencies within the team, particularly adding cover upfront for Romelu Lukaku and a world-class centre back to add quality to the defence.

So, what should be the transfer priorities for Koeman in the summer? Let’s take a look…

SIGN A QUALITY DEFENDER

Everton will need a strong spine throughout the team if they plan to progress their squad to the next level and a defender must be a priority due to the advancing years of the current backline.

Virgil Van Dijk has been linked with Everton this season and the Southampton star could well fit the bill. Koeman brought the 25-year-old to the Premier League last season and Van Dijk has become a key player on the south coast.

HOLD ON TO ROSS BARKLEY

The young England midfielder has come through a difficult spell at Everton to once again be recognised as one of the brightest talents in English football.

Selling Barkley, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, would be seen as a step backwards for the club as they look to build a team for the future with a keen focus on homegrown talent.

SIGN A LETHAL STRIKER

Everton have an over reliance on Romelu Lukaku’s goals and desperately need to sign a striker that can offer competition for the big Belgian striker.

The Toffees were linked with a move for Ajax star Kasper Dolberg late last year and would do well to get him in given his great form in the Eredivisie. He could, though, be the ideal man to bring those extra goals.

Everton fans – what do you think? Let us know below!