Everton: 136-goal star would give 'different option' at Goodison Park

Everton target Michy Batshuayi would provide a ‘different option’ for Frank Lampard in attack, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from Chelsea following a successful loan spell with Turkish giants Besiktas last season and Goodison Park has been sounded out as a potential destination.

90min have reported that Everton are ‘in talks’ to sign Batshuayi as they look to add some much-needed strength in depth to their depleted forward line.

It’s claimed that the Belgium international’s move would be a permanent one with Chelsea’s primary motivation lowering their wage bill.

Batshuayi, who has been dubbed “lethal”, only has 12 months remaining on his £69,000-per-week contract at Stamford Bridge, and this summer could be the time he finally ends his six-year stay in west London.

Fellow Chelsea fringe stars Ross Barkley and Billy Gilmour are also believed to be on Everton’s radar with Frank Lampard looking to exploit his connections at the capital club.

And journalist Simon Phillips has previously informed GiveMeSport that Lampard had a ‘really close relationship’ with both Gilmour and Batshuayi during his time in charge of Chelsea.

O’Rourke doubts whether Batshuayi could become a ‘prolific goalscorer’ for Everton despite his 136 career goals, but believes he would provide Lampard with an alternative route of attack should he make the switch.

In an interview with GMS, he said: “Batshuayi, it just hasn’t really worked out for him at Chelsea.

“Not sure he’d be a prolific goalscorer for Everton because he hasn’t shown that so far wherever he has been. But he gives a different option to Frank Lampard in attack, and it’s definitely an area of the team that I think needs improving.”