THIS summer has been a strangely familiar one for Everton. With bids coming in for John Stones and Kevin Mirallas, and Spurs pursuing James McCarthy, holding on to prized assets in the off-season will be considered a somewhat successful transfer window.

While it looks like Everton might hold on to Mirallas and Stones for at least another season, depending on who you ask, McCarthy might be ready to make a move to north London.

Having only brought in Tom Cleverly and Gerard Deulofeu, the latter making a hugely anticipated and exciting return to Goodison, Everton cannot afford to lose McCarthy, one of their most consistent performers last season.

With Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz released, Roberto Martinez has been busy trying to bring in central defenders.

Scott Dann renewed his contract at Crystal Palace, Angelo Ogbonna chose to move to West Ham from Juventus and rumours of a Jonny Evans switch have quietened down in recent days, leaving Everton with a little over a month to strengthen at the back.

Everton have spent their pre-season in Singapore, taking part in the Asia cup, eventually losing to Arsenal in the final. A lacklustre performance demonstrated exactly how much work Martinez has to do to get the squad ready for the coming season.

After the disappointment of finishing 11th, it’s yet to be seen if the players currently at his disposal will be enough for an improvement on that.

Fans will be hoping to see chairman Bill Kenwright signing off on a few further transfers before the opening game of the season against newly promoted Watford.

Linked to various names, including former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato, Udinese centre-back Thomas Heurtaux, a potential return for Aaron Lennon and the somewhat unbelievable Xherdan Shaqiri — who looks to be edging closer to joining German side Shalke — it will be an interesting few weeks at Goodison.

It will be a stern test of Martinez’s ability to build on positives from last season while motivating his players to improve their discipline and cut out the silly individual errors that cost them dearly.

With Tim Howard looking to return to his starring role in the United States Men’s National Team, Everton fans will be hoping this will also see him back at his best between the sticks.

It is imperative that Everton start the season brightly, harnessing the intensity and flair that served them so well in Martinez’s first season.

Playing poorly in their early fixtures that include Man City, Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal all before the end of October, could well set the Toffees up for another miserable Christmas period.