David Moyes takes notes prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium. Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Everton’s first signing of the summer could be confirmed as early as the final whistle of the club’s next game.

The Blues return to action with a trip to Brentford on Saturday, April 11 - a match that could have a defining say in the battle for Europe. The clubs are currently separated by goal difference alone and both are within three points of the likely Champions League places.

While they each sit in what could become European spots, they lead a large pack of clubs chasing football on the continent with just seven games to go.

The fixture holds additional significance for Everton. Should results go their way, they, like Brentford, could confirm their Premier League survival that weekend. That would trigger the obligation to make the signing of Merlin Rohl permanent.

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Rohl joined the Blues on loan from German club Freiburg in the...