Everton have been dealt an almighty hammer blow as they look to tie down two of their key players…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who thinks that the scrutiny aimed at some of the stars at Goodison Park could actually drive them away from the club.

The names mentioned in the report are Alex Iwobi and Jordan Pickford, who both have contracts that expire in 2024. 

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones claimed: “For these two players, you would have to think twice about committing at the moment.

“They’ve both had pretty good campaigns, but they also both seem to get picked apart when things don’t go especially well.”

Worrying news

Of all the players that Frank Lampard boasts at the moment, Iwobi and Pickford are likely the two he would hold dearest.

Both played instrumental roles in his side’s narrow escape from the drop last season, with the English shot-stopper in particular shining in crucial wins over Chelsea and Leicester City.

Then, since the restart of the Premier League for the 2022/23 campaign, the Nigerian trickster, reborn in his attacking midfield role, has been a creative leader for the Merseyside outfit.

He already boasts six goal contributions this campaign which is more than he has made in any other season since moving from Arsenal.

The brevity of their respective contracts will worry the club not only due to their incredible talents, but the simple fact that they are arguably their most prized assets; especially since the summer sale of Richarlison.

Both of them are ranked in the top five for the highest market value at Everton by Transfermarkt, outlining their importance to the team.

Lampard will rightly be worried, as without them it would spell incredible danger once again for his outfit.

Already sitting just one point and one place above the relegation zone, this World Cup-enforced break will likely allow him some time to assess where the issues lie at the club.

Whilst Farhad Moshiri must put his hand in his pocket, the role the fans can play will also likely be a factor in deciding their future.

The England international himself even stated last season that Evertonians “are very passionate”, and that “to get that buzz on the bus is a great feeling, it touches you.”.

Although the form is poor, perhaps galvanising once more to support the players will not only give them another much-needed boost but incentivise their biggest stars to stick around.