Lamps: Spend or risk sticky end at Toffees

BY DAVID MADDOCK FRANK LAMPARD has warned that Everton need to invest heavily or risk another season of struggle.

They only avoided a final-day fight at Arsenal to avoid the drop because a remarkable three-goal comeback against Crystal Palace in midweek secured safety (fans celebrating above).

Lampard argued the club – in the top flight for 68 consecutive years – must spend big on new recruits to avoid being dragged into the relegation mire again.

“We don’t want to be here next season but we understand if we don’t make positive moves it could be possible,” said

Lampard (right).

“What right does Everton have to be Premier League safe every year and that will continue forever more?

“Can we make the squad stronger and more balanced? I believe we can. There are a lot of decisions to be made and it’s important we look at them quickly.

“The board are interested in getting the best out of the club. We don’t want to be here next season but if we don’t make moves it could be possible. So we’ll be ready to move on that quickly.”

Asked if the message was that Everton are too big to be in this position he replied: “I understand that but is it? We need to try to find improvements to make sure it’s not, but nothing is given. We were in that position because we deserved to be. It’s important to say that.

“It’s a great, great feeling but the things we can do to make it better are things we have to work and effect. So we will be ready to move on that quickly.”

It is clear Everton need a major overhaul if they are to be competitive in the Premier League, with midfield a particular problem, and a lack of quality in depth in all departments.

Yet with owner Farhad Moshiri inextricably connected to USM – a company owned by oligarch

Alisher Usmanov and which has been sanctioned by the UK government – it is unclear where the funds will come from to make the big-money signings required.

Lampard has not yet been told if he will be forced to sell the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-lewin in order to buy.

He added: “I don’t know, those discussions will happen quickly. I haven’t felt that. If that’s the case we will sit down and try to work the best way through it.

“If I had my way they’d let me keep players who perform really well for the club and let us keep as far up the table as we can, but we will see about that.”