Everton are eying up a swoop for Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate during the summer transfer window as Frank Lampard aims to bolster his defence.

What’s the word?

That’s according to German outlet BILD, who have claimed that the 26-year-old wants to join a Premier League club this summer, with the Toffees and West Ham leading the chase.

With just one year left on his current contract, the centre-back could be available for a partly £8m, small change in today's world of vastly inflated transfer fees.

Lampard needs Niakhate

There is no doubt that Everton have had a terrible season, and despite a recent resurgence in results which could prove crucial in their relegation fight, it has simply not been good enough for a club of their size and talents.

If Lampard remains in the job ahead of next season, his urgent priority is to sign a defender, and Niakhate fits the bill perfectly.

The £12k-p/w Mainz captain has been has described by manager Bo Svensson as both a “role model” and “clever” following his wonderful campaign which sees Die Nullfünfer currently sit ninth in the Bundesliga table.

Nikhate would be a big upgrade on Yerry Mina and Michael Keane in the Everton backline. He has made more interceptions (72) than the Toffees duo combined (70) and has also atttempted more tackles over the course of the league season (59) compared to Mina (17) and Keane (46).

These figures show how strong he is at the back and illustrate his ability to stabilise the Blues' defence. His disciplinary record is excellent too, receiving only one caution, whilst Mina and Keane have each had three bookings this term.

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Everton need a player who is mature enough to marshal their defence, and Niakhate looks like he has all the attributes to succeed in England, while also being a discernible upgrade on the defensive options currently at Lampard's disposal.

AND in other news, Everton can finally axe “poor” £68k-p/w dud by signing 22 y/o with “huge potential”…