Everton are one of several clubs in for Tanguy Ndombele, according to reports… 

What’s the word?

French publication Foot Mercato claim that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is desperate to find playtime, having struggled to assert himself in north London since his 2019 move.

Napoli and Villarreal are noted as the two most interested parties, with the toffees joining a long list of other suitors which includes Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

It remains to be seen how much Spurs would demand for their one-time club-record signing, but with three years left of his £120k-per-week deal, it may be tough to tempt him away from this comfortable situation.

He could complete Lampard’s team

Whilst seemingly keen to add some defensive security to his side, the addition of this creative midfielder could add a different dynamic that would make Frank Lampard’s side much more complex and difficult to beat.

The signing of Amadou Onana, plus the touted addition of Idrissa Gana Gueye adds strength, steel and a tough-tackling core, whilst Ndombele would offer something much different.

Full of skills, the Frenchman ranked in the top 1% for dribbles completed last season, as well as in the top 4% for progressive carries per 90. He is unlike anything at the club, and his mindset to always go forward would make him a distinctive feature in their midfield.

In the heart of an Everton side lacking creativity from the engine room, this desire to drive with the ball forward would be a huge upgrade on Allan’s 4.37 progressive carries, and even the recently-joined Onana’s 2.89.

Labelled a “serious baller”, there are no doubts that he would get fans at Goodison Park off their seats with his sensational flair. Backed up by a hard-working team, he could be allowed to shine, putting less pressure on his defensive deficiencies.

In what must have been a tumultuous season for the 25-year-old, where he spent half of last season with Spurs and the other on loan with Lyon, he made 30 appearances and gave a respectable six goal contributions.

If Lampard could fit him into his midfield, perhaps he could recapture his form from the 2018/19 season, where his 11 goal contributions and 7.04 average SofaScore rating outlined him as one of the hot prospects in Europe.

Perhaps with a little consistency and the right structure in place to surround him, he could take this Everton side to the next level with the skill and style that saw him earn his big-money move in the first place.

Therefore, director of football Kevin Thelwell must make a move for Ndombele before deadline day on September 1st.