Reason why Everton may have an advantage over Leicester in transfer race for Bristol City star emerges

Former Leeds United defender Noel Whelan believes Everton may be in pole position to recruit Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott because of the presence of Frank Lampard at Goodison Park, speaking in an interview with Football Insider.

The 18-year-old has been a key player for the Robins this season, making an impressive 24 league appearances and recording three goals and two assists in the process, perhaps unlucky not to take his goal tally to four last night as Michael Morrison got the ball before he did for their second goal against Reading.

With the teenager establishing himself as one of the second tier’s best prospects, he has attracted interest from the Premier League with the Toffees and Leicester City both thought to be in the race to recruit him along with other top-tier sides.

Both sides will have to fork out a sizeable fee to lure the ‘Guernsey Grealish’ away from Ashton Gate after signing a new long-term contract last year to extend his stay at the club until 2025.

However, Nigel Pearson’s men may be tempted to cash in if it helps them to stay within the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules, with the Robins already facing a points deduction in the future for a potential breach of these restrictions.

This could put the likes of Everton and Leicester on red alert, although the latter may face an uphill battle in this transfer race according to pundit Whelan who believes the pull of playing under Chelsea legend Lampard shouldn’t be underestimated.

The 47-year-old said: “It’s no different to Steven Gerrard going in at Aston Villa. These kinds of managers and role models have had such distinguished careers, and that will always be an attraction for young players.

“Lampard is one of the best and most