Everton boss Frank Lampard would welcome a 'leader' to Goodison Park if he succeeds in signing summer target Conor Coady from Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Toffees are in serious danger of dropping into the Championship, but it appears Lampard has already set his sights on welcoming reinforcements to Merseyside ahead of next season.

What's the latest news involving Coady?

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are looking to strengthen their defensive options during the summer and Coady has emerged as an option.

The report suggests the nine-cap England international would not come cheap, but they are hoping director of football Kevin Thelwell could tempt Coady into swapping Wolves for Goodison Park.

Thelwell moved into the key behind-the-scenes role two months ago and knows Coady well.

That is because the 48-year-old was previously Wolves' sporting director and he was at Molineux when Coady completed his £2million switch from Huddersfield Town close to seven years ago.

However, Wolves will be in a strong negotiating position if Everton look to test their resolve as Coady's £62,000-per-week contract still has more than three years to run.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Coady?

O'Rourke believes it will be difficult for Everton to persuade Coady to join Lampard's charges, but he feels the 29-year-old central defender would be a coup.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "It would be a tough one, but I can see why Everton would be looking at Conor Coady. Obviously, you've got the Kevin Thelwell link from their time together at Wolves. He was involved when Coady first joined the club as well.

"Conor Coady would be a big improvement on what Everton have got in their defence right now. He's a good defender but is also a big leader in the dressing room, which he has shown for Wolves and England. That's why he's always in Gareth Southgate's squad - he's such a good member of the squad.

"That's what Everton need right now. They need leaders and somebody to help get them out of trouble. Coady would fit that bill."

Why is Coady of interest to Everton?

While Everton find themselves in a relegation dogfight, Wolves have the fourth best defensive record in the Premier League.

Coady, who is valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt, has played a key role in his current employers boasting a formidable record at the back.

He has started all of Wolves' fixtures since the campaign got underway, underlining his importance to the West Midlands outfit.

Coady has also become more of a threat in the opposition's penalty area by finding the back of the net three times this season, including at Goodison Park, doubling his goalscoring tally in 312 appearances for Wolves.