Frank Lampard's plea for action in the summer transfer window has been met with an immediate response following Everton's return from the US.
The Blues boss called for reinforcements after the loss to Minnesota United - a disappointing 4-0 setback that followed a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. While there were promising signs from the trip across the Atlantic, including the performances of first summer arrival James Tarkowski and the emergence of several academy prospects, the need for further additions to the first team squad was stark.
They are now beginning to materialise after 24 hours in which Everton completed a loan move for Ruben Vinagre and moved close to signing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil. The ECHO understands a deal that would take McNeil to Goodison Park is now in its advanced stages.
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Following the defeat in Minnesota, where Everton were overrun by Blues legend Adrian Heath's MLS side, Lampard's concern was clear. His post-match comments referred to the threat of a repeat of last season's gruelling survival bid as he said: “The players have to work and understand we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season. We had an amazing night [against Crystal Palace, when a 3-2 win secured the club's Premier League status] and an amazing run… but, as soon as that finished, I put it to bed very quickly, so the players have to put it to bed as well, because we were in that fight for a reason.
"And if we don’t want to be in that situation again, they have to be better and I have to be better. As a club, it [the Minnesota game] reinforced the situation in terms of what we need to do with the squad, because it has to be stronger that what we saw tonight."
He went on to add: "There is no doubt about it. When you think of where we were last year, we have lost a big player in Richarlison… we wish him well, but our club now continues. We know there is a void in forward areas, we are short in numbers there. Also, through the team, there are things I want to strengthen, and I can be honest about that, because a club like Everton has to have a competitive squad."
Director of football Kevin Thelwell, in place for his first transfer window since joining Everton, stayed in the UK to concentrate on finding re-enforcements while the first team squad travelled to the US. His work is starting to bear fruit after a busy start to the week following the 4-2 friendly win against Championship side Blackpool.
Vinagre, who the ECHO reported Everton's interest in on Monday, was confirmed as the Blues' second summer signing on Wednesday afternoon. The left wing-back has joined on a season-long loan deal from Portuguese side Sporting. The 23-year-old, who has previous experience in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, is well known to Thelwell - who oversaw the offer of a five-year contract for Vinagre while sporting director at the Midlands club.
The Portugal Under-21 international will offer depth on the left of defence and provide back up and competition to Vitalii Mykolenko. In his first interview after the move was confirmed, Vinagre said: “It’s a dream come true to join a big club like Everton."
While his arrival was being announced Everton were continuing talks with McNeil. The 22-year-old, who has played 134 times in the Premier League for Burnley, was at Finch Farm undergoing his medical on Wednesday evening. Hours earlier, Burnley boss Vincent Kompany said he was following McNeil's situation "day-by-day" but appeared to have accepted he may lose some "core" players as the club rebuilds for life in the Championship. It is understood Burnley will not stand in the way of stars seeking a move to the top flight. Talks are now understood to be in advanced stages over the deal, with a fee that could eventually rise to £20m thought to have been agreed for McNeil.
While Everton look to strengthen, Thelwell has also overseen the outgoing of teenage midfielder Tyler Onyango on loan to Burton Albion. The 19-year-old moves to the League One side after signing a new contract that will keep him at Everton until 2025.
Announcing the deal, Thelwell said: “We are delighted to agree a new contract with Tyler. He has made impressive progress through our academy, recognised with experience playing for our first team, and we are looking forward to him continuing his development on loan with Burton this season.”
Meanwhile, the club is considering allowing striker Ellis Simms another loan spell as the 21-year-old continues his development. The striker, who committed his future to Everton in November, is being chased by a number of clubs with newly-promoted Championship side Sunderland currently understood to be leading the race for his signature.
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