Everton are targeting Chelsea player Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a possible first signing to Frank Lampard, according to reports.
Lampard has been out of work for up to a year after he was sacked by Chelsea but has now been offered the managerial job at Everton after lengthy talks with the club’s hierarchy this week.
Vitor Pereira appeared to be on course to take over from Rafa Benitez, who was sacked this month, but following strong backlash from Everton fans, Lampard is now in the driving seat to take the hotseat at Goodison Park.
Everton have already strengthened their team with the signings of Vitalii Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson and Anwar El Ghazi.
But according to MailOnline, Everton are interested in bringing in Loftus-Cheek before the January transfer window closes on Monday.
Juventus also targeted Loftus-Cheek as a replacement for Arthur Melo, who is also wanted by Arsenal, but it’s believed that Chelsea want to keep the midfielder for the rest of the season.
Loftus-Cheek has impressed this campaign but the 26-year-old has started only seven Premier League matches this campaign due to the strong competition for places in Chelsea’s midfield.
But despite his lack of starts, Thomas Tuchel says he has not raised the prospect of the England international leaving Stamford Bridge this month.
‘We haven’t talked about it,’ Tuchel said. ‘He has a lot of game time, he has a lot to fight for here if we talk about Ruben and my personal opinion.’
Speaking before his sacking last year, Lampard made it clear that he felt Loftus-Cheek was good enough to secure a regular role in the Chelsea team.
‘Seeing him play recently, I see him looking fit, fresh and strong. We know he’s an obvious talent so it’s great,’ said Lampard.
‘If he can keep that up hopefully through the season, and if he can get back to where he was and more, then I’ll be very happy and he’ll come back as our player, for sure.
‘When Ruben was getting fit and was with us, I felt like we missed him last year.
‘And when Ruben was getting fit, I was excited because I know the attributes he has and I wanted those attributes at the club.’
