Following a nightmare season, Everton are now linked with signing a big replacement in the first team at the end of the season.
What's the word?
According to The Mirror, Everton are 'watching developments closely' to potentially make a move for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer.
The report suggests that the future of Jordan Pickford could be in doubt, as the Toffees eye a move for the West Brom number one who will be out of contract this summer.
However, Everton will face tough competition in securing his signature as another Premier League club is linked, with Tottenham Hotspur also reported being interested in signing Johnstone.
Lampard must axe Pickford
If the opportunity arises for Frank Lampard to sign a new keeper, it might be the perfect opportunity to finally axe his current keeper who has not had a good season and become part of the problem in the club's current relegation battle.
According to SofaScore, the keeper has conceded 1.7 goals per game and 50 goals in total in the Premier League this season, completing only 34% of his long balls and keeping only five clean sheets - the joint third-worst worst record in the league.
The Telegraph reported earlier this season that Tottenham were interested in signing the Everton flop to replace Huge Lloris, however, following the poor defensive record the side has carried this season, it may be an opportunity Antonio Conte decides to pass upon.
Pickford was recently slammed for being "out of control" following the 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace by Stephen Warnock who told Sky Sports:
"He's just so animated, that for me, every time I see him I think there's a mistake coming or he's out of control in what he's doing constantly."
Johnstone on the other hand has been the recipient of high praise for his hard work at West Bromwich Albion this season and has been considered a hot prospect to many clubs following his performances for the struggling Championship side.
The £18k-per-week star who was hailed "outstanding" by Micah Richards has been a standout performer for his current club, with FBref ranking him in the top 81st percentile for saves, 85th for touches and 99th for launched passes this year compared to all goalkeepers in Europe - an impressive pretty feat considering the poor season West Brom are having.
With that being said, if Everton could secure Johnstone on a free this summer, while also selling Pickford to boost funds, it could be a great piece of business for the club.
However, Lampard must secure Premier League football next season to put themselves in a position to attract the keeper and rival Spurs for the signing.
AND in other news: Everton plot bid for "unplayable" £29m "force of nature", he's like "an express train"