Everton returned to action in the Premier League on Boxing Day and picked up their third consecutive defeat whilst hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park.

The Toffees remain just one point clear of the relegation zone - as it stands - after picking up just 14 points from a possible 48 points over their first 16 league outings.

It is no secret that Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements in their forward line after failing to sign a prolific number nine to make up for both Richarlison’s exit and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s consistent absence through injury.

Now that Salomon Rondon has parted ways with the club too, Lampard had just Neal Maupay and youth player Tom Cannon to lean on in their first fixture since before the World Cup break.

As a result, the January transfer window will be crucial for the Everton boss as acquiring the right signings could be the difference between pushing for a more comfortable position in the Premier League or suffering another relegation scrap.

Having said that, Lampard could potentially save millions next month by recalling Sunderland loanee and Everton academy graduate Ellis Simms.

The 21-year-old who is currently the Black Cats' number nine has been impressing on loan in the Championship and could ultimately transfer his goal-scoring form back in the Premier League with his parent club over the second half of the season.

Over 16 appearances so far this season, Simms has scored six goals, registered two assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging 1.8 shots on goal and 3.7 duels won per game.

Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray are currently Everton’s joint top goal-scorers over the current campaign with just three goals each despite having 41 shots on goal between them, proving that a clinical natural finisher is desperately needed.

Simms - who was hailed a “natural” and “pivotal” by journalist Josh Bunting - has scored 80 goals and delivered nine assists over his career with a goal contribution every 116 minutes so far, proving that he is a consistent and reliable threat in front of goal.

With that being said, if the powers at Goodison Park can convince the talented striker to return early from his loan spell at the Stadium of Light it could be a huge boost to the Everton front three in the remainder of their fixtures and could also save them millions in transfer fees in the process.