Everton manager Frank Lampard could be trying to ‘step up the interest’ in Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Batshuayi is one of a number of fringe stars currently plying their trade at Stamford Bridge who have been linked with a reunion with Toffees manager Frank Lampard this summer.

What is the latest news involving Batshuayi?

90min have recently reported that Everton are ‘in talks’ to sign the Belgium international after he caught the eye during a loan spell with Super Lig giants Besiktas last season.

Chelsea midfielders Ross Barkley and Billy Gilmour are also believed to be on the radar of the Merseyside outfit as they look to revitalise their first-team squad following a difficult 2021/22 campaign.

And journalist Simon Phillips has previously informed GiveMeSport that Lampard had a ‘really close relationship’ with Batshuayi during their time together in west London.

However, the 6 foot 1 ace failed to ever hold down a regular starting berth at Chelsea despite bagging 136 senior career goals in his 387 appearances for various clubs.

Batshuayi’s current £69,000-per-week contract is due to expire in 12 months’ time, and therefore, he could be available in a cut-price deal.

What has Crook said about Batshuayi?

Everton are not the only team to have been credited with an interest in Batshuayi in recent weeks with fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers also listed as potential suitors.

Yet the speculation surrounding the Midlands side has died down of late, and Crook believes that could be positive news for Everton fans.

He told GiveMeSport: “Batshuayi has been mentioned to me with Everton as well. So, I wonder if the fact it’s gone quiet at Wolves maybe means that Frank Lampard is trying to step up the interest there.”

Do Everton need Batshuayi?

Everton have had a difficult start to the new campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of both Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Winger Anthony Gordon has been forced to play in an unfamiliar central role due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffering another injury setback, while Salomon Rondon was suspended for the visit of Thomas Tuchel’s charges.

And the fact that Rondon, Lampard’s only fit senior striker, started on the bench against Villa indicates he doesn’t have the trust of his manager.

The acquisition of Batshuayi is one that would surely be warmly welcomed by everyone associated with Everton, adding some much-needed firepower in the final third of the pitch.