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The details of Ronald Koeman's move to Everton continue to be thrashed out. It feels as if it has dragged on and on, now. Even Koeman, the man at the centre of this speculation, has gone back on holiday.

Yet the hard work is just beginning. Once Koeman is, as expected, officially confirmed as Blues boss, he must then begin his work on taking the club to the heights both Farhad Moshiri and the supporters expect of him.

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There is much to do. Everton finished in the bottom half of the Premier League this season and, as much as the blame for that was strewn at the brown shoes of Roberto Martinez, it represented failure across the entire football club.

The pursuit of Koeman – and their dedication to bringing him from Southampton – shows how Moshiri entrusts the Dutchman in carrying out his vision to return the Blues to the upper echelons of English, and European, football.

It won't be easy, though. Here is the to-do list for whoever the next manager is at Goodison.

Secure the futures of Lukaku and Stones

Romelu Lukaku and John Stones make up two-thirds of a new Holy Trinity at Everton; the duo, alongside Ross Barkley, are the shining light of Goodison Park; proof of how the club can buy and develop superstars capable of playing for most of Europe's top teams.

Granted, Lukaku's performance levels dropped towards the end of the campaign, while Stones' rarely reached the standard he is able to. For that reason, the big-money bids that are likely to come this summer – not to mention Lukaku's perpetual lip-moving – may be tempting to accept.

But the new man in charge should do all he can to keep them at the club. Circumstances will ultimately dictate, of course.

In Stones and Lukaku, however, Everton have two players who can not just help fire the club into the top four, but also sound their intentions to the rest of Europe. Both still under 24 years old, a spine is easier to build around than replace.

Find Barkley's best position

The past campaign was a mixed one for the England midfielder. He quadrupled the number of goals and assists from 2014-15 – two goals and two assists became eight apiece – but his form tailed off post-Christmas. So much so, his place in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad was thought to be under threat.

As the season wore on, the old criticisms returned, both of how he was playing and in the manner he was being handled. With momentum behind him, Barkley is a joy to watch, like a champion boxer in full flight; when he isn't in form, it is obvious, that spark – so bright usually – is non-existent.

Martinez's use of the 22-year-old was often cited as a problem. He would play wide too often, while debate persists over what his best position truly is. Is Barkley a no 8, making runs from deep? Or does he work better in the no 10 role, with less defensive responsibility?

If the new Blues boss gets that right, he has some player at his disposal.

Sign a goalkeeper

There were a number of key moments which signalled the erosion of the supporters' trust in Martinez, but the situation in between the sticks proved a pivotal one. His steadfast defence of Tim Howard, when it became abundantly clear a change in goalkeeper was needed, began to see the fans question the Catalan and the courage of his convictions.

Howard has departed for the MLS, and his replacement, Joel Robles, was first choice towards the end of the season. He performed well, but questions remain over whether he is the long-term answer.

Everton need a goalkeeper to challenge Joel, regardless. The new boss should ensure it is one of the highest level, capable of usurping the Spaniard, and establishing himself as one of the top keepers in the league.

Easier said than done, of course.

Get Deulofeu firing – and fit

It just didn't quite go to plan for Gerard Deulofeu last season. By Christmas, he had been one of the league's best youngsters, routinely putting devilish crosses on to the head of Lukaku. Much like the team, his form dropped off alarmingly.

He wasn't given much opportunity to put that right. More worrying, he didn't look capable of that, either. His fitness continued to raise eyebrows, completing 90 minutes on just five occasions for the Blues last season – and just once since the turn of the year.

The 22-year-old can be explosive out wide, but he often faded during the second half of games, rendering him ineffective. That would soon follow with the no 19 being lifted for a substitution.

Koeman, or whoever takes charge, must focus on simply lifting him back to the levels the Blues know he can reach.

Find Barry's successor

It was a well-deserved Player Of The Season award for Gareth Barry. In a season of such disappointment, Gareth Barry was the only one to emerge with real credit; his level of consistency, even at the age of 35, was praiseworthy.

It will be in the manager's remit to ensure Barry can perform like that again in 2016-17, but it will be just as important to find a player who can succeed him.

The midfielder has no intention of slowing down any time soon, but at he enters his late 30s, his game time will still begin to decrease. Given how Everton struggled without him this season, finding a replacement is imperative.

They could already be at the club, with Muhamed Besic a likely candidate. Similarly, a Barry replacement might have to be recruited. Either way, it should be a top priority.