It’s time Everton made strides towards achieving their ambitious plans. If they want to get into Europe, they need to improve their squad and keep hold of the best players, and that includes Andre Gomes.

The Portuguese midfielder has been on loan at Goodison Park from Barcelona since the summer, and he’s impressed in the Everton engine room. The Toffees’ season has been hit and miss, but his performances have been strong throughout, and they need to keep him.

There were rumours in the Telegraph that Spurs are willing to spend £30m to add him to their midfield, while Everton fan site Nil Satis Nisi Optimum have heard he’s house hunting in Merseyside ahead of a permanent move there in the summer.

If Everton are to reach Europe in the next few years, they need to spend the money to keep a player of Gomes’ quality. He’s not good enough to make it at Barcelona, but he’s certainly got the potential to lead Everton forward into a new era for the club.

The 25-year-old, who is valued at £25.2 million (by Transfermarkt), is key to the way Marco Silva wants his side to play over the next few years. He wants fast, attacking football, but to do that, you need trustworthy central midfielders to ensure the defence is protected from counter attacks. Gomes can take on that role and build up the play too.

It’s time Everton put their money where their mouth is. They’ve talked a good game, but Farhad Moshiri now needs to back the manager financially again to make sure they secure the talent to carry out their plan. There’s no risk involved in this signing, so if they don’t pay the money in this case, when will they?

Everton fans, how much would you pay to see Andre Gomes playing for your club next season? Join the discussion by commenting below...