Transfer insider Dean Jones has given his verdict on Everton's reported interest in Chelsea duo Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi.

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected source revealed that further incomings are expected at Goodison Park this summer, with the club having already wrapped up three signings thus far, as a move to bring Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye back to the club also nears completion.

Discussing deals for the aforementioned Blues pair, Jones stated: “Everton are expecting a late flurry of business. So in situations like that you’re going to turn to places where you can strike a deal. So I think both are pretty likely.”

Recent reports have suggested that the Toffees are in to talks to land academy graduate Barkley - as well as team-mate Batshuayi - with the latter also said to be open to reuniting with his former boss Frank Lampard.

Lampard would love it

After a slow start to the transfer window, it looks as if Everton's dealings could well be set to ramp up as the month progresses, with Lampard seemingly looking to utilise his Stamford Bridge connections to bring the aforementioned duo to the Merseyside club.

Managing to secure those deals would likely be a huge source of delight for the 44-year-old, with his current squad in desperate need of improvement after only narrowly avoiding relegation last term.

The loss of talisman Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur has proven to be a particular blow for the former England midfielder, with the Brazilian having proved vital in ensuring Everton's Premier League survival, scoring ten goals and providing five assists in 30 league games.

His exit has seemingly seen Lampard turn to Batshuayi to add firepower, with the Belgium international in need of a fresh start after enduring a difficult six-year stint with the Blues.

Despite failing to nail down a regular role with his current club - making just 77 appearances since his arrival from Marseille in 2016 - the 28-year-old has blossomed while out on loan, notably scoring 14 times and chipping in with five assists for Besiktas last term.

Equally, prior to his move to England, the £9m-rated marksman had provided 43 goal contributions in just 78 outings during his time in France, while he also scored 44 goals and registered 13 assists in 120 games for Standard Liege prior to that.

With 25 goals in just 45 appearances at international level to his name, the £69k-per-week marksman has proven himself to be a prolific presence over the years, with such finishing prowess seemingly needed at Goodison Park, where only Richarlison reached double figures last term for goals scored in all competitions.

As for Barkley, while he may not be welcomed back with open arms to his former club following his controversial exit four-and-a-half years ago, Lampard will seemingly be hoping to revive the career of a talent who was once likened to the great Paul Gascoigne.

It has never worked out for the 28-year-old at Chelsea - where he has made just 55 goal involvements in 179 games, while he has also netted six times in 33 caps for England.

Previously praised for his "attitude" by former Three Lions team-mate Lampard, Barkley will likely be hungry to prove the doubters wrong this season, if he gets his move back to Merseyside.

Bringing in two players with a point to prove could well work wonders for the Everton boss, and he will n doubt be eager to see these deals wrapped up swiftly.