Everton are way off challenging for the top six as it stands, but if they can sign Bruno Fernandes, he’d give them that boost required to battle it out with the big guns.

The Toffees have been inconsistent this season, proving they’re capable of beating top six sides but then faltering against teams they should be brushing aside. A well-rounded midfielder like Fernandes would add some continuity Marco Silva needs.

He’s lit up the Portuguese top division this season, scoring 16 goals and making 12 assists from 30 appearances. His performances have attracted suitors from right across Europe, and Record via Sport Witness believed Everton have joined the race too.

The Portuguese attacking midfielder is rated at £31.5m on Transfermarkt, but expect there to be a bidding war for him this summer. As per his season stats on the same website, he's been involved in 47 goals this season. 47. Ludicrous stuff.

Indeed, Everton should offer as much money as they have available for him, because if they can capture him, it’d trump making Andre Gomes’ move permanent by a mile.

He’s only 24-years-old and still has just under 10 years left at the very top. He’d be the lynchpin Marco Silva needs to break into that top six. It’d also give those top teams a scare, making them realise that this Everton project means business.

If Brands can seal that deal, it could be their most successful since the glory days and the club know it. It’d be a massive step up from Gomes and would give everyone surrounding the club the belief they can make it back to the top.

Everton fans, who do you think your club needs to sign to break into the top six in the next few years? Join the discussion by commenting below.