Everton could be set to secure themselves a summer upgrade in the transfer market and it may all be thanks to Frank Lampard.
The Toffees have kicked into life in this summer’s market having secured the signatures of Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George.
However, a lot more is going to be needed to bolster the quality on offer to David Moyes back at Finch Farm.
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The deal is now official, with the Toffees paying an initial £18m, with £6m to come in potential add-ons… ✅
There is also likely going to be some replacements required depending on who may potentially leave the club over the coming weeks.
It is understood Mark Travers is expected to leave Everton, with Lampard eyeing the backup goalkeeper to Jordan Pickford.
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Newly-promoted Coventry are believed to be pushing to sign the Republic of Ireland international this summer.
Despite not playing for the Blues in the Premier League, Travers is being eyed by former Everton manager Lampard.
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The Sky Blues have failed with their attempts to re-sign Carl Rushworth permanently from Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, Lampard’s interest in Travers could actually see Everton fall upwards with an experienced replacement possibly in line.
Everton could land Travers upgrade by signing Sam Johnstone
The Daily Mail have claimed Everton are considering Johnstone as an option to play as second-choice to Pickford.
Johnstone still has two years remaining on his current deal with Wolves, yet could be set to move to Merseyside should Travers depart.
Everton have shown an interest in Karl Darlow, but the former Leeds United goalkeeper has decided to make the move to join Manchester United.
If Everton were to offload Travers and sign Johnstone as his replacement, this could mark a solid upgrade for the Toffees.
In Johnstone, Everton would be signing a goalkeeper with significant experience of playing both in the Premier League and with Pickford in the England camp.
Opportunities at Everton are going to be few and far between for any number two goalkeeper due to Pickford’s dominance for club and country.
Therefore, having a strong character behind the scenes is crucial to pushing Pickford to remain at his absolute best.
Travers only played 180 minutes for Everton last season, which has the goalkeeper already looking to leave after only signing 12 months ago.
Johnstone does have a considerable advantage with his experience in the Premier League over Travers.
| Appearances | Sam Johnstone | Mark Travers |
| Premier League | 85 | 24 |
| Championship | 217 | 76 |
| National caps | 4 | 6 |
Travers admitted he wanted to compete with Pickford for the starting spot between the sticks at Everton.
Although it is a commendable attitude to have, it was never a reality, which is why Johnstone – at the age of 33 – may be the better match for the backup role.
Johnstone has only played a bit-part in the Premier League over recent years, as it has become apparent that his role is as a second choice or in a lower division.
Having a goalkeeper who is accepting of their role to support Pickford is exactly what Moyes needs and Johnstone has already proven he is capable of that in the England setup.
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