David Moyes has made it clear that Everton's first-team squad is not as expansive as he might like, but in typically stoic fashion, the Scotsman has also stressed that great things can be achieved within a close-knit group. Just look at Leicester City's title triumph in 2015/16.

The Toffees might have a defiant air about them as they dig in and attempt to challenge for a European place this season, but there can be no denying that the Friedkin Group have made a hash of things this summer, leaving Moyes with a threadbare squad.

At least Moyes was sparing in his usage of his Evertonian players last season. There is plenty of reason to be optimistic, especially after another loan deal for Jack Grealish was wrapped up on deadline day.

Why Everton still need a new signing to rival Grealish

Everton have struck gold in bringing Grealish back to the club. After Iliman Ndiaye was sold to Manchester City for £65m and deals fell through for Folarin Balogun, Richarlison and Joshua Zirkzee, you could even say it was imperative that it was wrapped up.

But, while the 31-year-old scored twice and supplied six assists across 20 Premier League matches last season, his last came in January, a foot injury cutting his emphatic loan spell short.

Imagine if we suffer a repeat scenario this season. Moyes' creative system would collapse like a house of cards - and the manager would not have any aces to pull from his deck.

Everton have effectively ruled out a deal for unattached striker Mauro Icardi, who, aged 33, could be more problematic than he would be worth, but that's not to say another free agent might not be signed.

Indeed, Grealish has the chance to become Everton's talisman this season, but he may well need more support.

Who Everton could sign to rival Jack Grealish

Grealish made the perfect career decision in pausing his Manchester City career and signing for Everton on loan. Now he is back for a second stint on Merseyside, and you feel that one of his English peers could take a leaf from his book and join Moyes' side this month.

The transfer market might be closed, but Everton's manager has stressed that he is attentive to the free agent market.

Well, according to a report from TEAMtalk earlier this week, former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has been in talks with two unnamed Premier League sides as he looks to find a new club. Both suitors are understood to have made approaches, but the race is wide open.

The 26-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Man United expired in June. His lofty wages could prove a hindrance, but Everton need more depth and dynamism in attack, and Sancho could enjoy a Grealish-like resurgence by biting the bullet and heading to the Hill Dickinson.

It's important to note that Sancho still has it all to prove in English football. Since joining Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund for £71m in 2021, he has largely flattered to deceive, making modest progress across loan spells with Chelsea and Villa in the past two years.

Sancho struggled to earn the minutes he needed at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were in a tough spot besides, and while Everton might be diametrically opposed to Chelsea in terms of first-team numbers, that may actually suit the fallen England international.

After all, Moyes has something of a knack for picking bruised egos back up. He breathed fresh life into Grealish's boots last season, allowing the 31-year-old to shine once more in the Premier League.

Could the same happen with Sancho? His loan spell at Villa Park was far from a disaster, with Unai Emery a big fan. A deal was explored by the Villans, but ultimately, they turned elsewhere.

He's had a rough ride, but Sancho was once considered among the world's finest talents in the world. "His potential is off the charts," said pundit Owen Hargreaves in 2020.

There are certainly a few similarities between Sancho and his countryman Grealish, and the pragmatic setting from which Moyes' side operate could be the making of this struggling star - especially when considering he would have to play consistently.

Grealish looked like he was done for when he made his way toward Everton, a move which many believed would see him fall by the wayside. The opposite occured, and now, Sancho could be the next fallen Three Lions star to enjoy a resurgence under Moyes' wing.