Frank Lampard wastes no time to strengthen Everton squad

Frank Lampard wasted no time after being confirmed as Everton manager on Monday as the club signed Donny Van De Beek and closed in on Dele Alli.

The Toffees announced early in the afternoon that former Chelsea boss Lampard had signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to succeed Rafael Benitez at Goodison Park.

The 43-year-old admitted his immediate priority was to steer his team away from relegation trouble and he was quickly given the backing he needed as the club plunged into the transfer market on deadline day.

Holland midfielder Van De Beek was brought in on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, and the PA news agency understands a fee has also been agreed with Tottenham for Alli.

England international Alli would move to Merseyside on a permanent deal.

That Lampard has already been able to have an impact could help re-energise supporters after a miserable spell under Benitez. Ten defeats in 13 matches resulted in the unpopular Spaniard’s sacking a fortnight ago, with the Toffees having since dropped to within four points of the Premier League’s bottom three.

Lampard’s first match in charge will be the FA Cup fourth-round visit of fellow top-flight opposition Brentford on Saturday but he knows league survival has to be the priority.

Welcome to Everton Football Club, Frank Lampard!