Everton have yet again found themselves struggling in the Premier League and Frank Lampard will be desperate to improve the performances over the second half of the season.

The Toffees are currently 17th in the league table and are just one point clear of the relegation zone ahead of their clash with Manchester City at the Etihad this weekend.

Luckily, the Everton boss will have the opportunity to strengthen his squad when the January transfer window opens on New Year's Day and investing in the forward line should be the top priority after scoring just 12 Premier League goals so far this season - which is the third worst record in the entire top flight.

One player who has recently been linked with a move to Goodison Park is Manchester United wide-forward Anthony Elanga, a player who could be Lampard's next young prodigy.

The former Chelsea boss is renowned for his keen eye for young talent and developing them into some of the best prospects in the Premier League with Reece James, Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour, Armando Broja and Tariq Lamptey just a few of the players Lampard gave top flight debuts to during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Now Lampard could use his experience in youth development by giving Elanga his opportunity to thrive on Merseyside if the club can secure his signature in the new year.

The 20-year-old forward has scored 30 goals and delivered 19 assists whilst rising through the ranks of the Manchester United academy with a goal contribution every 153 minutes so far and has recently become a regular feature in the first team.

Despite only averaging 35 minutes per outing, the Swedish starlet - who was hailed a "phenomenal talent" by journalist Alex Turk - has registered one assist and created two big chances over 11 Premier League appearances so far.

The young winger has already been the recipient of high praise from former Man United striker and fellow Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who hailed Elanga following his first call-up to the international squad.

"A great talent, we are proud and happy that he comes from Sweden. That he can represent Sweden now makes it even bigger,” he said.

"He [Elanga] has all the future ahead of him, and if he continues just as he has done, it looks positive. It’s just fighting, never being content, striving for more. How much he can develop depends on him."
With that being said, if Lampard can get the very best from Elanga by capitalising on the glimpses of talent the player has already displayed, it would be a great piece of business for Everton and could help them improve performances over the second half of the season.