Everton boss Marco Silva admits securing loan pair Andre Gomes and Kurt Zouma on permanent deals for next season is his chief summer transfer priority.

Gomes looks certain to leave his parent club Barcelona at the end of the season, but even though Everton have given him a platform, Tottenham are interested - and that looks a more likely destination.

Zouma has also been a big success at Goodison, but Chelsea have been banned from making any signings this summer, and so could prevent him from leaving.

As they prepare for a trip to Spurs that could prove the final Everton game for both players, Silva said: “It will be really important to keep our best players in key positions.

“We have to first ensure we keep the level we are at, and then after that we strengthen in key positions.

“I think the key for us as a club is to keep the level. Of course we have the time, and the board will do everything they can until the beginning of the next season."

Silva continued: “I have a relationship with both, and not just Andre. With both it is really good and really honest, until now I didn't have one sign coming from them they don't want be here.

“I am not saying they won't change their mind tomorrow, three days or a week, but since we started to plan something their opinion has been really important. I have to have in mind what is their opinion when I plan. Let's see what will be the decision, not just for them, but with their clubs.

“It is not a situation to talk about frustration or disappointment. We believe in them, we give them something and we really help them. They help us, also. They have been fantastic professionals since they joined our club so let's see what we can do."