Everton haven't set the world alight since football returned but there are reasons to believe Carlo Ancelotti is building something positive at Goodison Park.

He has turned them around since Marco Silva left, leading a late surge towards European football.

That being said, Ancelotti's men have probably left themselves a little bit too much to do if they're going to qualify for the Europa League next term.

Ultimately, that's the Italian's dream for the club - something he could well achieve if they continue in the same manner they've been playing so far.

A vastly experienced boss, he's hoping to link-up with someone who's currently at his former club Bayern Munich.

That player happens to be Philippe Coutinho.

Everton have been in the hunt for the former Liverpool midfielder already this year but now it looks as though their interest is beginning to materialise.

That's according to Bleacher Report.

Coutinho

The outlet suggests that Everton are now the 'most interested' side in the Brazilian's services, causing speculation to mount about his future this summer.

Newcastle have already been linked in the window but it appears as though the Toffees could be in pole position.

Coutinho is currently valued at a colossal £50.4m according to Transfermarkt and is enjoying a loan spell with Bayern Munich. His parent club, of course, is Barcelona. 

Coutinho

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

It would be quite something if the ex-Red moved to the blue side of Merseyside but with Ancelotti at the helm, he could well thrive.

Everton have been lacking something from the middle of the pitch this season with Gylfi Sigurdsson failing to replicate the sensational form he uncovered last term.

The Iceland international bagged 13 goals and produced six assists in 2018/19. However, this season he's found the net just once in the Premier League this season.

With that in mind, signing a creative midfielder of Coutinho's ilk would be a huge boost, particularly to Ancelotti if he wants to take Everton to Europe.

Despite not enjoying the best of seasons in Munich, the Brazilian has found the back of the net nine times while laying on eight goals for his teammates.

Coutinho

Even when he's struggling, Coutinho still appears to produce impressive numbers in the final third. Performing 1.4 key passes and 2.8 shots per game this campaign, he is a force to be reckoned with at his best.

Furthermore, he knows the Premier League inside out. If Everton can secure the player for a good price, he'd be a no-brainer.

After all, former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino couldn't compare to him a better set of footballers. Speaking in 2013, he remarked:

"I do think Coutinho has that same quality that Ronaldinho and Messi have, but he has much to prove yet."

Fine praise indeed.