The Top Flight
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Everton demand a list alteration for Europa League

By Nick Ciantar

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Phil Jagielka of Everton celebrates scoring the first goal to make the score 1-0 with his team-mates during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park on April 15, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Phil Jagielka of Everton celebrates scoring the first goal to make the score 1-0 with his team-mates during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park on April 15, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /
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Everton will be playing Europa League next season but are in desperate need of a list overhaul to make a dent.

Everton have made the cut for Europa League action in the 2017/18 season after securing at least seventh on the EPL table. But the Toffees will need a stronger squad in a competition they will be very competitive in.

The last time Everton made Europa League in 2014/15 Roberto Martinez was in charge and the list was eerily similar.

Seven of the starting 11 played in the round 16 loss to Dynamo Kiev and Martinez has since been sacked.

The Toffees have made progress this season but have been short in key areas due to injuries.

Injuries to right back Seamus Coleman, central defender Ramiro Funes Mori and playmaker Yannick Bolasie all hurt and left inexperience in the side.

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But Everton have already been linked with several pivotal players such as Southampton right back Cuco Martina.

Two more defenders and a star goalkeeper will provide the cover needed in the defensive third of the European competition.

While these may be the most important areas, their transfer period will depend on the never-ending Romelu Lukaku drama.

It is without a doubt they will need another striker for Europa, regardless if Lukaku leaves or not.

Will they sign on Enner Valencia? Poach a young English star? Does messiah Wayne Rooney return or do they get another seasoned veteran?

Whether it is one or two strikers, Everton will need more attacking prowess in a competition they can win.

An area in which Everton do have depth is the midfield.

Gareth Barry, Ross Barkley, Tom Davies, Ademola Lookman, Kevin Mirallas, James McCarthy, Idrissa Gueye, Muhamed Besic, Shani Tarashaj, Morgan Schneiderlin and Aaron Lennon.

That is depth with serious talent but they do need speed and creativity.

Everton should be doing whatever it takes to keep Gerard Deulofeu. His season long loan at AC Milan will bring inside knowledge for Europa.

‘Gerry’ brings creativity but another two players will push them deeper as Davies, Lookman, Besic and Tarashaj are exciting but undeveloped prospects.

Everton will need to bring more players in for Europa League for a chance to bag their first silverware since the FA Cup in 1995.

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