Lampard tells Everton he wants ‘excellent’ star, already said his goodbyes

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Frank Lampard has already told Farhad Moshiri and the Everton board he wants Dele Alli to be his first Goodison Park transfer, as talks continue over the manager’s Toffees contract.

That’s according to The Sun, who report Lampard earmarked a half-season loan deal for Alli during his interview on Friday. Moshiri met with the out-of-work coach as he finalised plans to replace Rafa Benitez, who the Blues fired on January 16 after losing against Norwich City.

Lampard is yet to sign a contract with Everton to become the Merseysiders’ next manager, but has several potential targets. Alli sits atop the England and Chelsea icon’s shortlist, with the 43-year-old’s preparedness to target late window additions impressing Moshiri.

Lampard will start talks with Tottenham over a loan transfer for Alli once he is confirmed as Everton’s new manager. The midfielder is likely to leave north London before next Monday, having failed to impress Antonio Conte. He has only featured six times under the Italian.

Alli has even already said his goodbyes to some staff at Tottenham in case he secures a late transfer. The Evening Standard report the England international sought to say his farewells earlier this week after Conte gave the club permission to hold talks for possible loan deals.

The 25-year-old has a wealth of options around the Premier League, despite scoring twice and only offering one assist after 18 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

Lampard wants Tottenham’s Alli as Everton contract talks continue

Reports by The Telegraph note Southampton have expressed their interest in Alli, who is also on Brighton’s radar. Newcastle United, too, want the £100k-a-week playmaker Ryan Mason called ‘excellent’ as they battle to secure their top-flight survival.

So, Lampard could face competition for Everton to agree a loan transfer for Alli and make the Tottenham outcast his first signing. The Toffees also still need to finalise his contract.

The Liverpool Echo report an agreement remained some way off as of Saturday morning. Lampard is also yet to finalise his backroom staff, amid The Sun linking Chelsea assistant coach Anthony Barry with Everton. He joined the Blues during Lampard’s reign in 2020.