We asked you to send in your Everton questions for BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould. In the first part of a special Q&A, she focuses on what the club is going to do differently this summer and why the Toffees move slowly in the window compared with others.
Barry asked: If we need new players to get European football but can’t attract them because we don’t have European football, what is the club going to do differently?
Giulia: It feels a bit ‘chicken and egg’, doesn’t it? Ending the season without a win in the last seven games and missing out on Europe felt a blow.
However, there is the context that Everton were without Jarrad Branthwaite for the majority of the campaign and Jack Grealish, who had been instrumental to the Toffees’ form, was out from January. Grealish remains a strong option for manager David Moyes this summer and could well extend his stay. He would be a big draw when it comes to attracting new signings.
The manager is working at the World Cup in a media role, but is also using it as a scouting opportunity.
There will be some Championship players looked at too. Possibly the most famous to make the step up under Moyes was Tim Cahill, who came in from Millwall and went on to make 278 appearances, scoring 68 times along the way.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney remains a target this summer as those at Everton believe he has the ability to play at a higher level.
Greg asked: When are we going to start getting players in earlier? Other clubs seem to do it but, as usual, we drag our heels.
Giulia: At the time of writing this, business is slow across the whole league. The World Cup will have an impact on the start of the window as clubs assess who is available, if their own players at the tournament will return uninjured or be a target for others. Given Grealish remains at Finch Farm for his rehab, I would expect that to be boxed off soon.
Some players not in action in North America are having a well-earned break so deals will begin progressing as they return.
The pool Everton are shopping in will impact the speed of deals too. For instance, while the finances are now much more secure, the rules still stop them from throwing in a huge bid for someone.
The season is still eight weeks away, so there is time.
Keep across this page on Friday for parts two and three of Giulia’s Q&A, which will look at subjects including how the club can compete at the top, whether the situation with Burnley will affect transfer plans and Moyes’ future.
