Everton have been linked with a move for Memphis Depay this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.
What's the latest?
According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, Everton have now made an official approach for Barcelona forward Depay.
As per the report, the player's lawyers were in discussions over his future with Barcelona this week, and now Depay wants to assess the proposals available to him with Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham making an approach to secure his signature.
Imagine him & Gordon
Everton are on the verge of completing the double signing of Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye to strengthen the midfield, however, if the club can secure a deal for Depay it would show a very big statement of intent from the powers at Goodison Park as they attempt to improve the squad this season.
Against Chelsea yesterday Lampard had no strikers available to start in the opening game of the season for the Toffees, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured, Salomon Rondon suspended and Richarlison making a move to Tottenham Hotspur. As a result, the Everton boss had to deploy Anthony Gordon in the centre-forward role.
hat means the signing of Depay couldn't come at a better time for Everton as he would improve the weakened forward line significantly if he can continue to thrive on Merseyside as he has with Barcelona.
Over 28 La Liga appearances last season, the 28-year-old who reporter Deji Faremi once dubbed a "magician" scored 12 goals and delivered two assists during an eye-catching campaign in front of goal. For context, Everton's top-scorer last season in Richarlison scored no more than 11.
The Dutch star, who may cost £17m, has been lavished with praise over his career so far, with Sergio Roberto hailing the player when he joined the club last year:
"He's a great player and in the few training sessions we've had with him you can already see that he has some impressive qualities. I'm sure he will help us a lot," he said.
Having made an instant impact in Spain, Everton would hope for the same sort of impact down at Finch Farm and Lampard could form a fantastic front-line partnership between him and Gordon.
The young boyhood Evertonian is highly effective out wide and is used to complementing a striker in the team like Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, doing so effectively throughout 2021/22.
Last term, Gordon was highly impressive on the wing despite the relegation scrap. He created four big chances as well as providing one key pass per match which means he could provide an ample amount of service for the Barcelona forward.
After failing to score against Chelsea, a link-up like this could be just what they need to stop an immediate rut from occurring.
With that being said, the signing of Depay would be a much-needed addition for Everton and would help Lampard to strengthen his attacking threat in the Premier League this season to ensure they don't face the problems of the past in the new campaign.