Everton: Lampard's 'connections' could bring £75m duo to Goodison Park | OneFootball

Everton manager Frank Lampard ‘will be using all the contacts that he can’ to sign Chelsea youngsters Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The highly-rated pair enjoyed successful loan spells at Crystal Palace and Southampton, respectfully, throughout 2021/22, but it remains unclear where they will be plying their trade next term.

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Lampard believes he can use his Chelsea connection to bring Gallagher to Goodison Park this summer.

It’s claimed that the 43-year-old tactician is ‘keeping an eye’ on the England international’s situation, although he is not thought to be short of potential suitors, with Palace also known to be keen on retaining his services.

Meanwhile, Broja, who is valued at £35m by CIES, could also be on the move once more over the coming months as the race for his signature begins to heat up.

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Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously informed GiveMeSport that there is ‘no way’ Lampard doesn’t come into the conversation if the Albania international is on the market.

A recent report by GOAL claimed Newcastle United, West Ham and Southampton alongside Serie A giants Inter, AC Milan and Napoli are keen on Broja, indicating that Everton will face a tough task to secure his signature.

What has O’Rourke said about Lampard?

O’Rourke believes Lampard, who played 648 games for Chelsea before returning for an 18-month stint in the dugout, will be tapping into his west London contacts to try and bring Broja and Gallagher to Everton.

He told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure Frank Lampard will be using all the contacts that he can in this transfer market to try and improve this Everton squad.

“Obviously, he has got his connection at Chelsea, so I’m sure that might help sway Armando Broja or Conor Gallagher, who will be well aware of Lampard from his time at Chelsea as a player as well as a manager.”

Would Broja and Gallagher be good signings?

Gallagher, who is valued at £40m by CIES, registered eight goals and five assists in 39 appearances for Palace this season, playing a pivotal part in their run the FA Cup semi-finals.

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Do you know this obscure Everton footballer from the 1990s?

Eddie Youds Iain Jenkins Jason Kearton Mo Johnston

And his underlying numbers were equally as eye-catching. As per FBref, the 22-year-old ranked in the 96th percentile for non-penalty goals, 93rd for touches in the attacking penalty area, 93rd for pressures, and the 92nd for completed dribbles amongst fellow central midfielders over the last year.

Broja also shone on the south coast, racking up 10 goal contributions in 38 outings for the Saints, and both players would surely be welcomed by the Toffees faithful if they made the switch.