Everton probably would have anticipated a much better campaign up until this point as they sit six points off seventh place. 

Marco Silva was a man they pushed hard to recruit as their manager and so far, that effort hasn't yet been repaid.

Though time must be given to the Portuguese boss, who could still turn Everton's fortunes around with 11 games still to play in the Premier League, if those behind the scenes want to build a real project.

He does have a capable group of players available to him and the Toffees are normally used to contending a place for Europe, something that again has to be the aim next season. Indeed, signings are very necessary whatever happens from now until the end of the season and a striker specifically will be a big target, with someone like Real Madrid's Mariano Diaz potentially an option they should consider.

Diaz, (who is valued at £18 million on Transfermarkt) certainly would have hoped for better since his return to Real Madrid, who he re-joined from Lyon in 2018.

After setting Ligue 1 on fire, Diaz came back to Real Madrid with a point to prove but has so far failed to do that. Having scored 21 goals for Lyon in the 2017/18 season, the 25-year-old was obviously a target for many teams around Europe.

But, Diaz has started just once in La Liga this season and despite how bad Real Madrid have been at times, they still haven't called upon a proven striker.

It seems that Los Blancos are set for a spending spree this summer which could include another striker. If that transpires to be the case, Everton should be the first club to ask about the availability of Mariano Diaz, a player that could really improve things at Goodison Park.

Do you agree Everton fans... Let us know!