Everton have been extremely disappointing in recent times as they just can't seem to ensure consistency, with a European spot slowly slipping away. 

The Toffees failed to secure any points against Watford earlier on today as they were narrowly beaten at Vicarage Road. Indeed, fans are starting to get impatient at Goodison Park, with improvements desperately needed.

Marco Silva may already be turning his attention towards the summer transfer window with improvements clearly required after a quiet January transfer window.

One player who could be of interest to Everton in the summer transfer window is Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian reportedly wants to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sky Sports).

The midfielder was dubbed (as per Fox Sports Asia) as the next Andres Iniesta back in the summer months, and it's safe to say that he lived up to the hype during the first half of the season, but an exit now looks to be on the cards.

Brands really would be crazy not to move in for Rakitic in the summer months, as he's established himself as one of the world's best midfielders in recent years, so bringing him to Goodison Park would be massive for the Toffees.

Indeed, Marcel Brands will inevitably play a big part in any potential deal after helping bring Andre Gomes to the club back in the summer transfer window. And, having witnessed the Portuguese midfielder's rise to stardom in the current campaign, it would make sense for Everton to look at raiding Barcelona again.

Everton's midfield would reach another level with the 30-year-old in their ranks as he has the ability to find the back of the net and create goals, with an incredible passing ability. He rarely loses the ball and is very good at positioning himself defensively, so he would be able to help Silva's side in all areas.

Everton fans - thoughts on potentially signing Ivan Rakitic?