Everton could be set for another disastrous and difficult relegation battle if their performances and league position do not improve when the team return to action later this month.

The Toffees are currently 17th in the Premier League table with only one point keeping them out of the relegation zone after suffering three defeats in their last five outings ahead of the World Cup.

Frank Lampard will be scrambling for ways to improve the performances on the pitch with his current crop of players, however, he will also be given the golden opportunity to strengthen his team when the transfer window opens in the new year.

As a result, there is no room for error when it comes to acquiring players in January as it could be the defining decision that could either make or break the second half of Everton's season, with irreparable consequences should they get relegated from the top-flight.

One player who has been recently linked with a move to Goodison Park is USMNT and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, however, if the reports from CalcioMercato are true, it would come with huge risk.

It is believed that the Serie A giants are interested in snapping up the services of newly-signed Everton midfielder Amadou Onana and would use McKennie as leverage to secure a deal for the talented player.

The two midfielders have been representing their respective countries at the World Cup in Qatar, but how do they compare over their season so far? And would a swap deal be worthwhile to the Toffees?

McKennie - who was hailed "magic" by journalist James Horncastle - has outperformed Onana in some attributes, including goal contributions (2 v 1), pass completion rate (81.1% v 80.2%), shot-creating actions per 90 (1.63 v 1.04) and dribbles completed (80% v 32.1%) per match.

However, Onana has been stronger in his defensive attributes, including aerial duels won (46.2% v 31.6%), tackles and interceptions completed (47 v 12) and percentage of dribblers tackled (75% v 57.1%).

Based on their contrasting strengths it would certainly pose a dilemma for Lampard, as, whilst Onana provides solid defensive skills, McKennie could offer a more attacking threat on goal, which is something Everton is desperately in need of.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than the Merseysiders this season so far which has contributed to the struggle Everton are facing in collecting crucial points to comfortably compete in the Premier League.

Indeed, it was reported that Lampard was keen to sign Conor Gallagher in the summer and the Chelsea midfielder also happens to be the second most comparable player to the £21.5m Juventus midfielder in the top five European leagues, according to FBref.

The pair share many similar attributes and have come close in their output this season including shots on target percentage (50% v 50%), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.13 v 0.36), clearances completed (9 v 11) and touches (320 v 356).

With that being said, it would be a major coup if the powers at Goodison Park could secure a deal for McKennie, however, if it is at the cost of losing Onana it could be a too big a risk for the club.