Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Armando Broja this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the player's future that could put a major dampener on Frank Lampard's plans.
What's the latest?
Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, West Ham United are in direct negotiations to sell Chelsea striker Broja.
Romano tweeted:
"Chelsea and West Ham are still in direct negotiation for Armando Broja deal. Chelsea now fighting to keep Armando, Tuchel is big fan - wants him to stay."
"West Ham are still pushing. Been told no way for a loan, only permanent move is being discussed."
Frank won't like it
There is no doubt that Lampard will be frustrated to learn of the Hammers' pursuit of Broja, as it was reported that the Everton manager had made the young forward his number one transfer target this summer.
The Toffees boss is a huge admirer of the Chelsea academy graduate, so much so that he handed Broja his first ever chance in the Premier League that earned him his debut back in 2020, and more recently lavished the player with praise ahead of Everton's clash with Southampton.
Lampard spoke out about the Saints loan striker in his pre-match press conference last season (via Metro):
"He’s a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy.
"He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he’s a very, very good young player so I’m very aware of his strengths in a Southampton team playing very well."
The £30m Albanian finished his season-long loan at St Marys as the second highest scoring player in the squad, with the 20-year-old taking his golden opportunity to prove his worth to his parent club Chelsea.
Over 32 Premier League appearances, Broja scored six times and created two big chances, taking 1.4 shots and winning five duels on average per game, as well as successfully completing 47% of his dribble attempts too.
Everton currently have a Richarlison-shaped hole in their squad, and there is no doubt that Lampard will be keen to find the right replacement to succeed the Brazilian winger who has moved onto Tottenham Hotspur, so he will surely be furious that Broja is looking close to a move elsewhere.
With that being said, Farhad Moshiri must back the manager and fight for the signing of the striker this summer to not only improve the team's chances of converting goal-scoring opportunities but also to ensure the team is not left with a weakened attacking threat next season.