Everton FC

Farhad Moshiri preparing to make Everton FC statement of intent

Everton are ready to make a statement of intent this summer by securing a high-profile marquee signing.

The Blues have gone an agonising 21 years without a major trophy, slipping down the Premier League hierarchy as a result.

But following a reported £85 million investment from new backer Farhad Moshiri in late February, the nine-time champions of England are set for a radically different change in direction.

The Iranian’s first action was to replace the under-performing Roberto Martinez with Ronald Koeman.

And the Liverpool Echo suggests that the next phase of Moshiri’s blueprint is to attract a star signing to signal the club’s ambition, in a similar vein to Manchester City’s successful pursuit of Brazilian international Robinho in 2008.

A number of big names have already been linked with a summer move to Goodison Park, including Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata and Belgian mifielder Axel Witsel.