Everton could bring in Weston McKennie in the January transfer window, a move the player would be "much better suited" to than a switch to Chelsea, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The Toffees have struggled to put a run of form together this season and currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, just one point clear of the relegation zone, so some new arrivals may be in order at Goodison.
Everton Transfer News - Weston McKennie
Rather than the initial enquiry being made by Everton, it is claimed by CalcioMercatoWeb that Juventus have Amadou Onana in their sights for a January move, and the Italian club are willing to offer McKennie "on a plate" to secure the signing, rather than pay the £34m that Everton are demanding.
The report states that the American has always been "appreciated" by English clubs, and so Juventus believe that they will be able to tempt the Toffees into parting with their youngster by offering them the more experienced player.
Lampard has been interested in bringing the central-midfielder to the club in the past, with CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs outlining Everton as one of several Premier League clubs to conduct scouting missions ahead of a potential deal, which he says would amount to £20m, if Onana was not included.
What has Phillips said about McKennie?
While Phillips would not want to see McKennie arrive at Chelsea, he believes that he would be a good option for Everton, telling GIVEMESPORT: "He's a very good player, I think he could bring a lot to Everton, I don't think he's good enough for Chelsea and I don't want Chelsea to sign him but I think for a club like Everton, he's much better suited to that move."
How did McKennie perform in USA vs England?
Currently competing at the World Cup with national side USA, for who he has scored nine goals in 40 caps, as per Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old started every game en-route to a second-placed finish in the group.
In a 0-0 draw against England, the versatile midfielder started on the right, putting in a fine display which led to him being labelled "fantastic" by former USA international Taylor Twellman.
The playmaker exhibited pinpoint accuracy in picking out his teammates, registering a 90% pass accuracy, while also successful with both of the long range balls he attempted, the only American player to have a 100% strike rate in this area, as per SofaScore.
With the USA progressing from the group courtesy of a 1-0 win against Iran in their crucial final match, McKennie has another opportunity to impress in the round of 16, in which his side face a tough game against the Netherlands.