Even without the transfer window, you can sense a massive opportunity for Everton next season.

When writing this, Everton have only announced the signing of former Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl and despite a number of contradictory rumours on the future of Andre Gomes and little else, you would be forgiven to feel that the 19/20 season for Everton is crucial in establishing ourselves amongst the Premier League top six.

The position of confidence comes from a place of flux and instability from sides above and for a change, Everton have a settled structure, on and off the pitch that could lead to the club challenging the places above.

Arguably finishing 6th is not anything tangible in itself as it only gives you the same luxuries as finishing 7th, however with three sides in the same stagnant situation, all three of their places within the Premier League top four is at stake.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all for different reasons find themselves in flux and should Everton strengthen appropriately, it would not be too difficult to bridge the gap.

Chelsea are likely to have a new manager, which brings its own uncertainty
and with Eden Hazard leaving and the calibre of manager they will be able to attract is limited by their transfer ban.

Man United have an identity problem with players who look disinterested and a manager who is largely a novice and particularly naive in his tactics.

Arsenal have the elite manager the other sides crave but have an undesirable squad with a weak defence and a transfer budget that can not match the other sides within the top six.

For the first time for a while, it would seem Everton have their house in order at a convenient moment. With Marcel Brands, a shrewd operator as Director of Football and Marco Silva, a highly respected, young coach as manager it would seem a tilt at the places above are not beyond our reach next season, caveated with the fact however we need to recruit well.

As well as Lossl, a new right back, central defender, central midfielder, left-footed right winger and a centre forward have all been linked. Adding to the squad as well as the current side will give Everton the ability to rotate particularly over December where the games are regular and difficult.

Should Everton establish a way of playing early on with the new players, get off to a good start and maintain it, Everton could well put themselves in the position to challenge for the top six.

Owen Parkes