Everton have seemingly always known how to snag a bargain, irrespective of who the manager might have been.

So often David Moyes would pull a rabbit out of the hat despite their financial constraints, and even wading into the torrid Farhad Moshiri era, the bulk of their most successful deals have come for a cut price.

Given they are arguably more restricted than ever in the market, as Financial Fair Play and the Premier League seek to bear down on the club, Kevin Thelwell has worked miracles to continue allowing them to bring top-quality operators through the door.

However, that should not see them abandon one of their older models, scouring the lesser-known leagues for unbridled talent.

After all, with Seamus Coleman, they achieved one of the greatest transfers in the history of the division.

So, to see them once again linked with an Irish right-back starring in his homeland, Sean Dyche must be delighted.

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Should they ward off the competition to pry Sam Curtis from St Patrick's Athletic, they might just be set to mimic the masterclass that saw a legend forged in Merseyside.

How good is Sam Curtis? Although signed when he was 21, it could be argued that Coleman boasted even less experience than the 17-year-old in question currently does.

After all, for his beloved Sligo Rovers the 68-cap ace had only managed 61 first-team appearances. Meanwhile, Curtis already has 60 for his current side, recording a further nine goal contributions too.

Should he turn out to be half as impressive and influential as their current club captain, who is seeking to make his comeback from injury after this international break, then it would certainly be a deal worth making.