Everton in pole position to sign former Chelsea star who’s one of the best dribblers in Europe

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton are set for a transformative summer transfer window.

The Friedkin Group will back David Moyes with a healthy budget, as PSR restrictions will finally be lifted once the financial year ends.

Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium is expected to bank the club an extra £40m per season in revenue, so they’ll be much bigger spenders in the market over the coming years.

The Friedkin Group want to return the Toffees to Europe and there is some chatter about it coming as early as next season.

James Garner reckons a top 10 finish should be the initial aim, though, there is plenty of reason to aim beyond that.

Anyhow, it’s vital they get their summer recruitment bang on and with that said, it’s just emerged that they’re frontrunners to sign a former Chelsea star.

• READ MORE: Everton move one step closer to signing eight-goal Premier League star with David Moyes really ‘pushing’

Everton in pole position to sign Tariq Lamptey

Everton are expected to be in the market for a right-back this summer.

Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are both out of contract at the end of the season and look set to depart.

Nathan Patterson hasn’t won over Moyes and Jake O’Brien’s future, despite playing well at full-back, remains in the heart of defence.

With that said, Everton are showing a serious interest in former Chelsea and current Brighton star Tariq Lamptey, according to Africa Foot.

The outlet have named the Toffees as ‘favourites’ to land Lamptey’s signature, with Ajax also in the picture.

The Ghana international is set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract in June.

Lamptey statistically one of the best dribblers in Europe

Lamptey has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but when fit, there are few better full-backs at attacking the final third.

According to FBref, the 24-year-old sits in the top eight per cent for progressive carries compared to his positional peers in Europe, evincing his exceptional dribbling ability.

Further, Lamptey ranks in the top 14 per cent for assists, so quite clearly he’d be a totally unique profile to Everton’s current options at right-back.

Signing the Brighton man would certainly be a smart bit of business, however, they will have to fend off competition from Ajax, who are thought to be edging ahead in the race.