Frank Lampard is ‘very aware’ of the threat reported transfer target Armando Broja will be to his side when Everton visit Southampton on Saturday, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo.
The Toffees travel to the south coast looking for back-to-back Premier League wins under Lampard after beating Leeds United 3-0. But the Blues have only won two of their last 12 visits to St Mary’s. They also lost 2-0 at the Saints last term while playing with just 10-men.
Broja is enjoying a strong season leading the Southampton attack on loan from Lampard’s former side, Chelsea. The 20-year-old has so far scored six goals in 20 top-flight games, yet has only started 12. He has also provided one assist and directly contributed to nine-points.
Everton are among a growing clutch of sides monitoring Broja’s Southampton form in view of a summer transfer from Chelsea. TEAMtalk cite the Blues with Leeds United and Wolves as possible suitors. Dean Jones also expects Lampard will move if the forward is available.
Southampton also hope to retain Broja permanently and presented a €30m (£25m) bid in January, per TuttoMercatoWEB. Additionally, Newcastle rivalled the Saints with a €40m (£33.5m) offer. But the Blues rebuffed their interest and will decide his future this summer.
Broja has since fallen on Arsenal’s radar as well and is open to leaving Stamford Bridge, per the Express. He is keen to keep all of his options open while enjoying regular game time.
Lampard ‘very aware’ of Everton target Armando Broja of Southampton
Lampard has now voiced his praise for Broja ahead of Everton facing his reported transfer target at Southampton this weekend. He knows the Albania forward well from his spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, having awarded the Slough-born star his senior debut in 2020.
“He’s a very good lad, very talented young boy,” Lampard said. “He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for a goal, he’s a very good young player. So, I’m very aware of his strengths.”
Broja played four-minutes in 4-0 win over Everton for his Chelsea debut under Lampard at Stamford Bridge. He has not featured for the west Londoners since in any competition after spending last season on loan with Vitesse Arnhem, returning 11 goals and three assists.
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