Everton have reportedly offered Chelsea legend Frank Lampard the vacant manager's role at Goodison Park and the former midfielder is now looking to bring in Blues coach Anthony Barry.
However, Thomas Tuchel is eager to keep hold of Barry and is set to 'fight' Lampard's attempts to bring in Barry, who is considered a key part of the German's team, according to The Athletic.
It was reported on Friday night that the Toffees had offered Lampard the role following the sacking of Rafael Benitez, who led Everton to just one win in his last 13 Premier League games.
Sharing the article on Twitter, Simon Johnson of The Athletic wrote: "Most significant part of Lampard taking #EFC job as far as #CFC are concerned is he wants to take Anthony Barry from Tuchel’s backroom staff. Not a done deal yet. Club/Tuchel will fight to keep him."
Barry has been a part of the Chelsea backroom staff for nearly two years, joining in the summer of 2020, ending a three year spell assisting Paul Cook at Wigan Athletic.
Lampard is set to take over at Goodison Park after 12 months out of management, following his exit from Chelsea in January 2021.
He would replace Benitez, whose last game in charge was a 2-1 defeat to Norwich City, with Duncan Ferguson put in interim charge since then.
The Scot was among the contenders interviewed for the role alongside Lampard and Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira, with Derby County manager Wayne Rooney adding that he was approached about the job, but turned down the opportunity for an interview with his focus on helping Derby out of their current plight.
Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez was reportedly the club's number one choice for the job but he had to withdraw from the running after the Belgian FA ruled out the possibility of a job share.
Should Lampard take charge on Merseyside, his first meeting with the Blues would come at the end of April in a game that could prove crucial for both sides, as Everton look to pull away from trouble and Chelsea aim to close the gap on Manchester City in the title race.
