sport news Everton's potential starting line-up under Frank Lampard next season trends now
After a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, which saw the club get dragged into a relegation battle, it promises to be a crucial summer for Everton.
And it has not started particularly well, with last season's top scorer Richarlison departing for Tottenham in a deal worth £60million.
The club's financial issues have been well-documented, and uncertainty remains as to how much Frank Lampard will be given to spend in this transfer window, while talks are still ongoing over a possible takeover.
Everton forward Richarlison has left the Toffees join Tottenham in a deal worth £60million
Richarlison's departure is a fresh blow for Everton manager Frank Lampard
Free transfers and loan signings are likely to be order of the day for the Toffees, as Lampard looks to build a squad that can bounce back from last season's turmoil.
The ex-Chelsea boss had to switch formations as he struggled to find a winning formula at Goodison Park, moving to a back three for the latter stages of the campaign.
However, with smart recruitment, he ought to be able to revert to his favoured back four to help him make his mark at the club.
Here, Sportsmail takes a look at how Everton could line-up next term under Lampard.
GOALKEEPER
Jordan Pickford is one of the only players whose reputation has remained intact after last season at Everton.
The England international was given very little help by his defence, and did concede 58 goals in his 35 league appearances, but he also pulled off some stunning saves - his one to deny Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta in May will live long in the memory.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is likely to retain the gloves at Everton next season
There is no reason to replace the 28-year-old, who has improved his consistency over the last 18 months.
DEFENDERS
Seamus Coleman will turn 34 in October, and he may need to be managed carefully in 2022-23, but his experience was still vital at the back end of last season.
January signing Nathan Patterson ought to be putting pressure on the club captain for his place in the team, but for now, Coleman is in possession of the shirt at right-back.
Meanwhile, on the opposite flank, Vitaliy Mykolenko is likely to get the chance to continue to impress. Lampard was hesitant to use him at first when the Ukrainian arrived in England, but by the end of the season he had made the left-back spot his own.
Vitailiy Mykolenko should remain Everton's left-back after impressing last season
Mykolenko is set to be joined in the back four by James Tarkowski once he arrives at Everton
It could be all change in central defence, though, at Goodison Park. Everton may be open to allowing Yerry Mina to leave, with the Colombian defender entering the final year of his contract. His fitness has also been a concern in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate have all struggled to convince over the last 12 months, and youngster Jarrad Branthwaite could be loaned out to PSV Eindhoven or Schalke.
As a result, Everton have turned to James Tarkowski, whose arrival on a free transfer from Burnley is set to be announced imminently.
The club also have their eye on Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill. The teenager had a standout season on loan at Huddersfield in 2021-22 as
