Lampard could unearth Everton's next Distin in unseen 17 y/o prodigy at Finch Farm - opinion

Everton manager Frank Lampard is likely to re-shape his defence going into next season – should the club survive in their battle against relegation to the Championship.

The Toffees have conceded the fifth most amount of goals in the Premier League this season, and could also lose Jordan Pickford and Ben Godfrey in the summer transfer window, with both players being linked with moves away.

Meanwhile, the likes of Michael Keane and Yerry Mina could be axed too, due to their poor and inconsistent form over the last few seasons – and if Lampard is to help the club realise their European ambitions, he will likely need a large rebuild where he offloads the players he can’t trust.

Jarrad Branthwaite has not yet become a first team regular despite showing promising signs earlier on in the season – but being left-footed, he could become a key part of the former Chelsea coach’s three-man defence in the future.

However, standing at 6 foot 4 and still growing – with him being just 19-years-old, he could find himself becoming the central defender in the back-line – which could pave the way for 17-year-old prospect Elijah Campbell.

An England U18 international, the exciting young defender has also already become a regular for the Toffees U23 side in the Premier League 2, making 12 appearances and scoring two goals.

He is one of the country’s most exciting prospects, and will represent the nation over this international break at youth level alongside the likes of Manchester United talent Shola Shoretire, and the exciting Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund.

Should he continue to make rapid development at the club, he could become a future star at Everton, and with his versatility to be able to play at