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Marco Silva says Everton will "attack the market" as he reveals his transfer hopes for this summer.

The Blues manager has hammered home the importance of signing loan duo Kurt Zouma and Andre Gomes on permanent deals - and then being "creative" when bolstering the squad further this summer.

Silva says retaining the on-loan pair is vital if Everton are going to build on the foundations of his first season in charge at Goodison but he has admitted he is unsure if they will return.

The Portuguese coach says keeping hold of Chelsea defender Zouma and Barcelona midfielder Gomes will ensure the Blues "keep the level" of this season and allow them improve the squad in other areas.

In addition to signing the two loan players, Everton are also believed to be looking to strengthen at right-back, in central midfield, on the right-wing and upfront this summer as part of another squad revamp.

Asked about the importance of being able to keep hold of joint top scorer Richarlison this summer, Silva said: “Not just Richarlison.

“One of the key for us, to give a strong signal for us and our fans, is to keep the level we have.

“The starting point for us will be to keep the same level we have inside because just in this way we can start to improve.

“Keep the level and attack the market in the positions we should attack and improve our squad. In this way, step by step, we can improve as a team and challenge some of the other teams in the Premier League.

“For me it is key to keep the same level and then be creative and smart also in the market to attack the right players for us.”

Following Sunday's 2-2 draw at Spurs , Silva was asked about the potential for his Everton squad to become top four challengers next season.

The Blues boss, whose side finished eighth this term, reiterated the importance of this summer's transfer market: “I am a really ambitious coach but I like to look at everything in a realistic way.

“I know what is our history and culture as a football club but I like to be honest.

“We have to make the right steps to achieve being a top four team.

“For us to be ready to challenge them we have to keep making the right steps but look in a realistic way.

“I don't have doubts, right now, that we are a stronger team than at the beginning of the season.

“Our players, now, are in a different level than when they started the season, it is my job to do that.

“Of course, we need a strong market. It will be tough for us. We want to keep two key players who are on loan, we want to attack the market well. It is part of the job, part of the steps.

“When you finish the season strong, you just have one way to go for next season, to improve. It is what I want, to improve what we did this season and it must be our target.

“The next market will be key for us and to keep our level.”