Everton set to 'struggle' this season as two first-XI players 'likely' to leave - expert
Everton could be in serious danger of a difficult season if they do not begin to gain ground in the transfer window.
That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The Toffees are still yet to make a second new addition after the arrival of Hayden Hackney, with pre-season well underway.
David Moyes would have hoped for a proactive transfer window after a disappointing end to the season, but Everton remain in need of several additions.
Defence is an area of real concern, with Seamus Coleman yet to be replaced despite his departure having been confirmed months ago.
Everton are currently due to go into the season with only three centre-backs, one of which spent almost the entirety of the season out injured while the other two are both 33 and entering the final stage of their careers.
Everton tipped to 'struggle' amid transfer failures
Numerous defensive targets appear to have come and gone at Everton this summer, including Tottenham's Djed Spence.
Sights appear now to have set on Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, who may cost more than £10million this summer.
The defender has quality but spent almost the entirety of last season out injured, and does pose a risk.
Moyes will at least be happy to finally see some movement taking shape, although the frustrations built in recent weeks will not have gone anywhere.
Iliman Ndiaye and Beto have now been linked with exits in recent days, which could leave the Scot's side further weakened.
"Well, the only good thing is that Everton aren't in Europe, are they? So all he's got to concentrate on is the domestic Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup," King told Football Insider.
"He hasn't got any European tournament. So his main squad of players have got to be able to cope with the Premier League. Otherwise, they could struggle this year.
"If they got rid of the two players mentioned [Ndiaye and Beto], which is likely, they're two key players, you would need to bring in real quality to replace them, wouldn't you?"
Everton prompt concern in pre-season
Pre-season has not been the reassurance that Everton fans and Moyes would have liked.
The Toffees beat Dundee FC earlier this month but have drawn with Bolton Wanderers and lost to Stoke City since.
Games against Hamburg, Stuttgart, Newcastle United and Lille are up next.
Moyes will hope to have several new players ready for the season's start, which will come at Hill Dickinson Stadium against Crystal Palace on August 22nd.