Everton boss Frank Lampard is no doubt plotting ways to strengthen his charges in the quest to stave off the drop, with the Englishman seemingly in need of a handful of fresh faces in order to spark a change in fortunes at Goodison Park.

Turning to Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga as a solution to those problems may not be the wisest move, however, with the Sweden international unlikely to be the game-changing signing that the relegation-threatened outfit are craving.

The Daily Mail reported back in December that the Toffees are keen to sign the 20-year-old on a loan deal until the end of the season, having previously been chasing his signature over the summer.

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook - speaking to GIVEMESPORT - has now corroborated that interest, with the transfer insider outlining that the Merseyside outfit appear intent on signing the United academy graduate this month, although it is yet to be seen if Erik ten Hag's side will sanction an exit in the coming weeks.

The respected source stated: “I know there’s interest in Elanga. Bournemouth were close to signing him in the summer.

“I think Everton are very keen as well, but that would depend, I think, on United bringing in a sort of Memphis Depay to bolster numbers because, at the moment, he’s still coming on towards the end of games and still playing his part in the team.”

It could well prove a blessing in disguise if Lampard and co are unable to sign the £43k-per-week speedster in the current window, with Elanga hardly pulling up any trees at Old Trafford of late.

The 5 foot 10 dud is currently "suffering" in the Red Devils' first team, according to journalist Muhammad Butt, having failed to score in 18 games in all competitions so far this term, while also providing just a solitary assist.

In fact, the struggling asset has not scored since netting in the draw away to Atletico Madrid back in February, having initially enjoyed a positive start to life at senior level after being thrust into the fray last term by interim boss, Ralf Rangnick.

The fear for Everton would be that the temporary addition of Elanga could mirror the signing of his former United teammate James Garner, with the £15m addition currently unable to make his mark under Lampard.

The promising midfielder has made just six appearances in the Premier League so far this term - all of which have come from the bench - having also seen his woes compounded by an injury blow of late.

The 21-year-old Englishman has become almost something of a forgotten figure at the club such have been his woes in the early months of the campaign, with it yet to be seen if his situation can improve when he returns to full fitness.

With that deal having yet to pan out, the concern for the Toffees would be to bring in another up-and-coming figure in Elanga who may also not hit the ground running, with Lampard's men seemingly in need of additions who can instantly improve the first team.

On the evidence of the Swede's lack of goal contributions at the Theatre of Dreams, it is hard to see him offering much in the way of an upgrade.