SILVA SHOULD AIM FOR EUROPA SPOT

BATTLER: Balbuena (right) with Wolves’ Helder Costa six. Kilbane, who made 120 appearances for the Merseysiders between 2003 and 2006, said: “The Blues have impressed me this year.

“There is a real talent there and the fact they have so many players now fighting to get into the side is a big thing.

“And there is a lot of optimism – look at Theo Walcott’s goal against Southampton a few weeks ago, that is a sign of their adventure.

“It will always be a challenge to get into May 2018: West Ham 3 Everton 1 Nov 2017: Everton 4 West Ham 0 Apr 2017: West Ham 0 Everton 0 Oct 2016: Everton 2 West Ham 0 Mar 2016: Everton 2 West Ham 3

Everton – 69 wins West Ham – 38 wins Draws – 31 the top four – but that is where their ambition now is.

“Last season was a bit of a disaster in that respect.

“But if they get top six this season, it will be a brilliant season because they will then know that if they can invest again, get in one or two more top quality players, the potential is there for them to make Champions League.

“There’s no doubt that historically Everton are a top-six club, particularly when you look at the record books. Only three clubs have won more titles – Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

“Everton have nine titles, Chelsea six, Man City five and Tottenham two.

“I know those nine titles happened a long time ago.

“But the fact they spent so much money over the summer means they are capable of breaching the top six.

“If they do that then another huge amount of money would go in there to cement their progress.

“I know they are up against quality. City, United and Liverpool spent hundreds of millions between them this summer. It is so competitive and so tough.

“But Everton still have a chance. The stadium move could help them as well along the line. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that in a few years’ time, with the right investment, Everton could make a breakthrough.”