TOFFEE GRAPPLE
Transfer struggles are not getting Frank down
FRANK LAMPARD insists he is not panicking – despite Everton’s slow progress in the transfer window.
The Toffees boss called for calm as fans’ fears grow over the lack of investment in the squad after they just about beat relegation last season.
Everton have sold Richarlison to Tottenham in a deal worth up to £60m, with the £20m capture of winger Dwight McNeil from Burnley their biggest buy so far.
Defender James Tarkowski has arrived on a free along with wingback Ruben Vinagre on loan.
Lampard has earmarked midfield as a priority and wants to bring in two more in that position, with former Blue Idrissa Gueye, who is at Paris StGermain, one of their targets. A return for Ross Barkley, from Chelsea, has been ruled out by club sources.
The season starts early this year due to the winter World Cup and the transfer window will be open for more of the campaign than usual.
Lampard said: “We came where we did last year for a reason, we lost Richarlison and then some players that maybe were on loan or out of contract, so it’s a good time for us to take stock.
“We have to make sure, if we want to improve, we keep working well day to day and also improve the squad.
“It is important to stay calm. The window goes into the season a long way, it might take a bit of time.”
Lampard insists he is happy with the business the Toffees have done so far, with McNeil marking his debut in a friendly last week against Dynamo Kiev with two goals.
He said: “I don’t want to say whether we are confident or not, we’re working at areas we think we can strengthen.
“The business we’ve done so far I’m happy with. Hopefully we can keep working on the squad to improve it.”
The sale of Richarlison, last season’s 11-goal top scorer, has left the Merseysiders short on goals.
Lampard added: “You don’t replace like for like, particularly with Richarlison, who was a player who could play in various positions. It’s not about looking at it exactly that way.
“The fact you can have nine subs, with five you can bring on, that’s a clear bonus for teams that have squads full of talent.
“We need to do our best to get our version of that.”