Everton's 2019/20 campaign was an absolute rollercoaster.
From stuttering and stalling under Marco Silva to being revived by Carlo Ancelotti, the Toffees eventually ended the season in a disappointing 12th place.
For a side with ambitions of qualifying for Europe, they have a lot of work to do to make the club a force.
Ancelotti's side showed exactly why in the climaxing weeks of the campaign, winning just one of their final six matches.
It was a torrid run and the worst form they'd showed since the former Bayern Munich manager took over.
There will be no excuses for the Merseysiders next term. They will have been backed by Marcel Brands in the transfer market and will have one of the most celebrated head coaches in world football in charge.
It's hardly surprising that players like Rafinha, Thomas Lemar and Leon Bailey have been linked.
It'll be interesting to see where Everton strengthen but one clear area they need to improve is across the midfield.
Rafinha is a classic box to box midfielder but they could prefer a move for one of Ancelotti's former players at Napoli instead.
That's according to journalist Ciro Venerato (via CalcioNapoli 24). It's been no secret that Allan has been a target for the Toffees in the transfer window but it appears as though their interest in the Brazilian is beginning to materialise.
Speaking recently, Venerato stated the following:
"Everton wants Allan and offers 25 million plus 5 bonuses: replica of Napoli, closes at 30 million plus 5."
Based on that translation, it would appear that Everton have offered €30m (£26.9m) including bonuses for the 29-year-old. However, Napoli are seeking something close to €35m (£31.4m).
GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...
This would certainly be an eye-catching signing for Everton.
The Toffees have been troubled in midfield with Andre Gomes' long-term injury wreaking havoc with an already weakened area of the squad.
Tom Davies failed to set the world alight this term, scoring just once, while Gylfi Sigurdsson notched only two times from his central position.
Allan might not be a goalscoring player himself, but he'd go a long way to tightening things up in the middle of the park.
A player who has already featured 61 times under Ancelotti, the Brazil international knows the demands of the Everton coach from his days in Naples and that is sure to be beneficial when it comes to adapting to the English game.
Allan starred under the Italian, winning a colossal 3.2 tackles per game in Serie A throughout the 2018/19 campaign.
Thus, Ancelotti already knows what he's capable of and is all too aware of how to get the most from him.