It may be an entirely innocent social media post. In August, however, Everton supporters are entitled to investigate everything.
Everton’s media team have asked supporters to name their favourite player to have enjoyed two spells with the club.
Under normal circumstances, that would be exactly what it appears to be: a harmless question designed to generate a bit of discussion.
These are not normal circumstances.
Richarlison continues to be linked with a return to Everton and, perhaps inevitably, the timing of the post has prompted some supporters to wonder whether there might be a little more behind it.
Enter the transfer detectives.
Richarlison return talk refuses to disappear
There is at least some genuine transfer background to the speculation.
Football.London reported earlier this week that Everton registered their interest in Richarlison with Tottenham earlier in the summer, although there had been no subsequent contact involving an actual bid.
Spurs also hold an option to extend the Brazilian’s contract by another year.
Richarlison’s future in north London remains uncertain. Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi admitted earlier this month that the striker himself had been undecided over whether to stay or leave.
So, does Everton asking about players who returned for a second spell mean anything?
Almost certainly not.
Football clubs publish engagement posts all the time, and there is no evidence whatsoever that Everton’s question has anything to do with their transfer plans.
But Richarlison spent four years at Everton, remains hugely popular with many supporters and has already been linked with a return this summer.
It was never going to take much.
Everton asked an innocent question. Maybe. Social media did the rest.
For more info on this and other Everton transfer deals and rumours, please take a look at our live transfer tracker.
