Report: Koeman eyes Witsel, Krul captures on Everton arrival

Ronald Koeman has set his targets high after assuming control of Everton, identifying Axel Witsel and Tim Krul as ideal players to strengthen his inherited squad, according to the Guardian's Andy Hunter.

The Dutchman was unveiled as the club's new manager after being tempted by Southampton due to the ambitious plans laid down by new Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri. The Iranian businessman has promised a considerable transfer kitty on Merseyside.

While efforts will be made to secure Everton's more talented throng, such as Romelu Lukaku, Koeman is keen to quickly improve the fortunes of a side that finished a disappointing 11th in the Premier League last season.

Witsel, an intelligent deep-lying midfielder, is currently at Euro 2016 with Belgium, but is apparently interested in exiting Zenit St. Petersburg. The Russian side would like to recoup the €40 million it paid Benfica for the 27-year-old's services in 2012, so an offer of around £30 million should be deemed suitable.

Koeman will have to address the goalkeeping position upon his arrival, too. Tim Howard has returned to Major League Soccer with the Colorado Rapids after an error-strewn 2015-16, leaving Joel Robles as the sole option between the sticks.

A preferred option for Koeman appears to be compatriot Krul, who has one year left on his Newcastle United contract and is likely to want to remain in the top flight. One stumbling block, however, could be that he's still working on his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament rupture suffered last October.

Koeman is said to be casting glances at West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino, although Everton may meet competition from Stoke City for his signature, according to ESPN FC, and an asking price of around £20 million.

The fixtures for the 2016-17 Premier League campaign were released on Wednesday, with Koeman assuming the Everton technical area for the first time on August 13 against Tottenham Hotspur.