Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements this summer following a difficult relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League table last season, and Frank Lampard will be wanting to make sure that the same mistakes aren't repeated when they return to action next month.

The former Chelsea boss has spoken out this week upon return to pre-season training with the Toffees, giving an update on the club's recruitment plans and what supporters can expect from Everton over the coming weeks and months.

Speaking to the club's website, Lampard revealed:

"It will be a big challenge for me and the club to make sure we go in the right direction because it is clear we don’t want to be fighting relegation and recruitment will be a big part of that."

It is clear that there are now plans in place to make signings, with James Tarkowski being the first new face to join the squad at Finch Farm this week following his free transfer from Burnley, but now Farhad Moshiri must act fast to bring in more players to give Everton the best chance next season.

The Merseysiders have been linked with several players already this summer, but there is one in particular that could be a major coup for Moshiri if he can get a deal done.

Everton have been speculated with a move for Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher who had an impressive loan spell with Crystal Palace which led to the player winning the London Football Award's Young Player of the Year award earlier this year.

The midfielder has now returned to the Cobham training ground to reunite with his Chelsea teammates, but his future at the club still hangs in the balance as the player has now had a taste for consistent first-team football and would not likely want to sit on the bench for the Blues next season.

Gallagher who was dubbed "silky" by journalist Matt Addison has been often compared to the Toffees boss who had an outstanding playing career with Chelsea, and Palace manager Patrick Vieira even drew similarities between the pair after signing the 22-year-old.

“Conor has this passion for the game when he is on the field like a Ray Parlour, but I would say he has maybe the quality finishing of a Frank Lampard," he said.

It's not hard to see why the comparisons are made, the magician, who could cost in the region of £50m, is a tenacious attacking threat who uses his creative flair to be a consistent playmaker as well as offering goal contributions.

The youngster scored eight goals, delivered three assists and created five big chances for Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

These attributes are very similar to Lampard's in his playing days, attributes he was able to develop to become the sixth-highest scoring Premier League player of all time, and now Everton could sign and develop their manager's clone if they can sign Gallagher this summer.

With that being said, Moshiri must do everything he can to secure the young midfielder's signature as Lampard could have a great impact on Gallagher's development which in turn would put Everton in a position to better their performances in the league next season.

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