Everton want Jesse Lingard as a replacement for the departed Richarlison.
Blues boss Frank Lampard will join the race for the former Manchester United forward, who is a free agent this summer after reaching the end of his Old Trafford contract. Richarlison was a forced sale for the Goodison club, as they met a deadline to cut their losses - and meet Premier League financial rules - with a £60m sale on June 30.
But Lampard is determined to strengthen his forward line this summer, and Lingard is the ideal replacement in a time of financial uncertainty for the club. He was born in Warrington, and it is understood he is keen to stay in his native north west, after making a career with his boyhood club United.
West Ham are also chasing the England international after a successful loan period at the London stadium a season ago, and several other clubs, including Newcastle, are thought to have made offers.
The player has time to make his decision, with several Italian clubs also said to be interested in signing him on a free transfer. Juventus, Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho ’s Roma have all expressed an interest. But Lampard knows Lingard from his playing days, and the 29-year-old would be a perfect fit in his team, as he looks to introduce a passing based game at Goodison.
While the wages would be significant, Everton have removed a significant amount from their wage bill this summer, with big earners like Gylfi Sigurdsson, Cenk Tosun and Fabian Delph all departing.
Lampard has already secured one high profile free transfer this summer, with the signing of former Burnley defender James Tarkowski set to be announced in the coming days, after his contract with the Lancashire club expired on June 30.
Lingard has been with United since he was a pre-academy player at the age of seven, and has scored 56 goals for his boyhood club, in 298 appearances. He has also been capped 32 times for England and was part of the team which made the thrilling run to the World Cup semi final back in 2018.
After meeting the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations for the financial year to June 2022 with the sale of Richarlison, Everton are hopeful they will be in a stronger financial position for the coming season. And that should mean Lampard is backed in the transfer market, with the likes of Lingard as a free agent a particularly attractive proposition for the Mersey club.
