Everton have ‘always wanted’ Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi throughout the summer window, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Toffees are believed to be in the market for further attacking reinforcements ahead of tonight’s 11 pm deadline despite already signing Neal Maupay from Brighton and Hove Albion.

What is the latest news involving Batshuayi?

90min have previously reported that Everton are ‘in talks’ to sign Batshuayi, although a formal offer is yet to materialise with time running out to complete a deal.

Phillips has also informed GiveMeSport that the Merseyside outfit’s manager Frank Lampard had a ‘really close relationship’ with Batshuayi during his time in charge of Chelsea.

And the Belgium international is believed to be available for transfer after entering the final year of his £90,000-per-week contract at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has also told GMS recently that Lampard ‘wants up to three new forwards’ before the window slams shut in order to provide some much-needed strength in depth.

Salomon Rondon has reportedly been informed that he is surplus to requirements while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently sidelined through injury.

What has Phillips said about Batshuayi?

Phillips has disclosed that Batshuayi has potential suitors in both Turkey and Spain and that it’s Lampard who has been pushing for his signature at Everton rather than the club’s hierarchy.

He said: “He's got interest from Turkish sides as well as Spanish sides, the lower half of La Liga. A couple of clubs have inquired there.

“As I said before, Everton have always wanted him, but again, that's been Lampard rather than Everton. But they haven't got their attacker yet, so that could be one to watch towards the final few hours of the window.”

Who have Everton signed so far?

Everton have enjoyed a fairly productive window under Lampard, bringing in Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil, Maupay and Idrissa Gana Gueye for relatively big fees.

Experienced centre-backs James Tarkowski and Conor Coady have also arrived on a free transfer and season-long loan deal from Burnley and Wolves, respectively, while Ruben Vinagre has joined on a temporary basis.

Despite the new arrivals, though, Everton have failed to win any of their opening five Premier League games of the season, picking up just three points.

Lampard, therefore, will surely be hoping to add another source of goals to his depleted forward line, and Batshuayi could be the option he takes a punt on.