Everton boss Frank Lampard is 'very concerned' with the make-up of his squad and eyeing 'significant' changes at Goodison Park, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Lampard, who was appointed as the Toffees' head coach in January, could welcome fresh faces to Merseyside ahead of the 11pm deadline on September 1.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Who have Everton signed so far?
Everton got their transfer business underway by dipping into the free agency market and signing James Tarkowski following the expiry of the central defender’s contract at Burnley.
Lampard strengthened his backline further by sealing the arrival of left-back Ruben Vinagre, who has joined on a season-long loan from Portuguese giants Sporting.
Everton splashed out £20million to ensure Dwight McNeil would secure a quickfire return to the Premier League after suffering relegation to the Championship with Burnley last season.
While McNeil was brought in to offer the Toffees more of a threat going forward, Lampard turned his attentions back towards strengthening his defence and acquired Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-half Conor Coady on loan.
Central midfielder Amadou Onana became Everton's latest arrival after a £34million deal was struck with French side Lille.
What has Dean Jones said about Lampard?
Jones is aware that Lampard and key members of his backroom staff are worried about how the Everton squad looks with the transfer deadline looming.
The journalist understands that the former Chelsea chief is keen to welcome further reinforcements to Merseyside having picked up just one Premier League point from a possible nine so far this season.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I know Lampard and his staff are currently very concerned about how the squad looks.
"They know something significant has to change by deadline day."
Could Lampard walk away from Everton?
Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the final stages of the transfer window could play a crucial role over whether Lampard will have a long-term future at Everton, while he is also clashing with the hierarchy over targets.
The 44-year-old was handed the task of steering the Toffees away from the relegation zone last term and he succeeded in meeting that goal, leading them four points clear of the drop.
Although Lampard's contract is due to run until the summer of 2024, he has already been made to contend with the frustration of seeing Richarlison leave in a £60million deal for Tottenham Hotspur due to Everton being under pressure to meet Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.
If he is not backed by owner Farhad Moshiri, who was the subject of a protest by supporters last month, it is not outside the realms of possibility that the ex-Derby County boss could seek a fresh challenge.