Everton are chasing the signature of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher – and he has already admitted his admiration of Frank Lampard.
The Toffees have secured Donny van de Beek on loan, but it’s likely the Dutchman will return to Manchester United this summer.
That means Everton must look for other midfield additions ahead of next season, and Gallagher’s name has now been floated.
TEAMtalk claim that Lampard is desperate to bring Chelsea talent Gallagher to Goodison Park at the end of the season.
It’s even stated that Lampard has already spoken to Chelsea in the hope of securing a deal for Gallagher this summer.
Chelsea certainly won’t have decided whether or not to keep, sell or loan out Gallagher this summer, with the situation very much in flux.
Gallagher, 22, has been superb for Crystal Palace this season, bagging seven goals and three assists during his loan spell with the Eagles.
Whether or not that is enough to put him into Chelsea’s first-team plans remains to be seen, and Lampard is ready to pounce.
What’s interesting is that Gallagher has already shared exactly what he thinks of Lampard.
BT Sport released a video earlier this month showing various Premier League players commenting on their favourite players growing up.
When Gallagher was asked for his answer, there was just one man in mind – Lampard.
Gallagher has been coming up through the Chelsea ranks and will have seen Lampard scoring bags of goals from midfield.
It’s therefore no surprise to see Gallagher doing the exact same, attempting to emulate his idol even if it’s away from Chelsea.
You have to imagine that, if Everton come calling for Gallagher, the midfielder would jump at the chance to play under Lampard.
That’s an interesting advantage for Everton given that many other clubs will want to sign Gallagher, with Lampard potentially a major selling point for the Toffees.
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