Everton have been dealt a fresh blow in their pursuit of a highly-rated European star…

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Reports in Italy have linked the Toffees with a move for the Serbia international in recent weeks and now journalist Pete O'Rourke has delivered a worrying claim on the matter to Football FanCast.

“The only problem for Everton right now is probably the transfer fee, I think it might be out of their reach for January for Lukic," he said.

“I don’t think Torino will be willing to sell for anything less than £30m and I don’t think Everton could go to that right now.”

Lampard will be gutted

Despite a summer overhaul which saw the midfield revamped, it still seems like something is missing in that position.

Whilst Idrissa Gana Gueye returned, it is clear that time has crept up on the Senegalese stalwart, and with Amadou Onana it seems like his best role is still unidentified.

Therefore, to have brought in this Serbian whose position is so clearly defined would have surely stabilised the Merseyside outfit who seem in freefall.

The 26-year-old has often operated on the left of a midfield three but can sit deeper to dictate the play. This seems to be what he is most comfortable with, having overseen a variety of roles across numerous managers at the Turin club.

Although he has suffered during his side’s World Cup campaign, in the Serie A this season he is thriving.

Boasting a 6.95 average rating, he is maintaining an 89% pass accuracy whilst also averaging one key passe and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

These statistics paint the picture of a combative deep-lying playmaker who can play that killer pass which the Toffees’ current midfield lacks.

One particular display back in 2020 led journalist Josh Bunting to describe him as “outstanding protecting the back three”, and given how Frank Lampard often seems intent on that being his favoured system, it could have seen them move one step closer to it.

For this reason, and the general lack of stability surrounding his midfield, the 44-year-old will be frustrated that his side are likely to be priced out of a move.

With other clubs reportedly sniffing around too, it might be a step too far for Everton to complete this deal.