Everton are in need of making some big changes at Goodison Park this summer after a troubling season and now a former transfer target has been speculated with a move to Merseyside ahead of the window opening.
What's the latest?
According to Portuguese news outlet Record (via Sport Witness), Everton are reigniting their interest in Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer.
As per the report, Everton and Leicester City are 'following the midfielder' as it was revealed that the player is looking to leave his current club, and he is currently protected by a €60m (£51m) release clause, but the minimum the club would be willing to accept is €25m (£21m).
Miles better than Allan
There is no doubt that improvements must be made at Everton to ensure they don't find themselves battling relegation next season and upgrading certain key positions will make a huge difference to how they compete in the Premier League next season for a much more comfortable spot in the league table.
When you compare Palhinha to current midfielder Allan who has been linked with a move to Lazio this summer, the Portuguese ace is clearly an upgrade in terms of reliability and ability to look after the ball better when holding possession in the centre of the pitch.
According to Squawka, Palhinha has scored more goals, completed more passes, has a better pass accuracy, made more tackles and has been victorious in more aerial and ground duels than Allan this season in one less league appearance.
The midfielder was hailed "special" by Sporting boss Ruben Amorim in an interview with Record, who told the publication:
“The credit belongs to Palhinha, that grew up that way. I often tell Palhinha that he is very good without the ball and with the ball. More than a tactical coach, I get it in Palhinha’s head that he is a special player.”
With that being said, Lampard will need to make an attractive offer to secure the signing of the 26-year-old midfielder over Leicester and will likely ramp up the interest depending on the situation with Allan when the transfer window opens next week.