"It's almost definite" - Insider drops big Everton claim amid Frank Lampard contract revelation

Everton are almost certain to sack Frank Lampard if he fails to maintain the Goodison Park outfit’s Premier League status ahead of next season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Toffees are at serious risk of dropping into the Championship and have headed into the international break sitting just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Lampard was appointed as Everton’s new manager on deadline day of the January transfer window, with the 43-year-old penning a two-and-a-half year contract.

The Merseyside outfit turned to the former Chelsea chief having opted to sack Rafa Benitez just six-and-a-half months after he moved into the Goodison Park dugout.

But it has emerged that Everton added a break clause to Lampard’s deal, meaning they are able to part company with the ex-England international midfielder at the end of the season without paying a penny in compensation.

The Toffees’ latest blow came on Sunday, when Premier League rivals Crystal Palace romped home to a 4-0 win to deny Everton a trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals.

Lampard was outspoken when it came to criticising his charges after the Selhurst Park defeat, with him questioning the Toffees’ mentality.

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Jones believes there is a serious possibility that Lampard’s Everton reign will prove to be a short one.

The transfer insider feels the Toffees are already mulling over whether to dispense of the manager’s services at the end of the campaign, when the break clause can be activated.

But he feels failing to remain in the Premier League would ramp up the chances of Everton parting company with Lampard.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think, if they go down,