It's time for your Everton early headlines on Thursday, May 26.
How the players Everton sent out on loan fared and their futures assessed
We take a look back at how the season went for each of the players that left Everton on loan in the summer of 2021 and what the future may hold for them.
Lewis Gibson
Unfortunately for Lewis Gibson, injuries really hampered his season and stopped him from really making an impact in his latest loan spell. This time with Sheffield Wednesday after struggling with Reading last year, the majority of the term was spent on the sidelines for the centre-back.
He made five League One appearances throughout the campaign, amounting to about 250 minutes on the pitch. He signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the club in January 2020, but the Blues do have the option of extending that deal if they see fit. Perhaps he might be one to keep an eye on over the course of the coming transfer window.
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Nathan Broadhead
There might have been some injuries involved in Nathan Broadhead's short-term spell at Sunderland, but that didn't stop him becoming a fan favourite quickly. His 10 goals in 20 League One appearances helped the Black Cats into the playoffs, before they eventually secured promotion at Wembley.
There are already reports that the Wearside club may be interested in a permanent switch for the forward, who signed a new deal with the Blues last summer. In a recent interview he maintained that he is focused primarily on getting back to full fitness in the summer, but it may be interesting to see where his long-term future lies.
Joao Virginia
Joao Virginia's loan to Sporting CP has offered him some interesting opportunities, including a Champions League debut back in December where he was unable to prevent a 4-2 loss for his side. Over the course of eight appearances in all competitions, however, he only conceded seven goals and kept four clean sheets in that spell.
The young shot stopper was primarily on the bench throughout the league campaign but did make one appearance at the end of the term. Again rumours are already swirling that a permanent move to his home country might be on the cards for the Portugal youth international, who has two years left to run on his current deal at Everton.
*Read the full round-up of all eight Everton players who were out on loan, HERE.
Transfers Everton could make if Frank Lampard exploits Chelsea relationship
Frank Lampard is likely to explore his links with former club Chelsea as he attempts to strengthen his Everton squad over the summer.
The Blues boss turned to Stamford Bridge during his managerial spell at Derby County - playing a key role in the development of Mason Mount after signing him on loan. Fikayo Tomori, who has just won Serie A with AC Milan, was also signed by Lampard and was voted the supporters' player of the season during his time at Pride Park.
Everton's transfer strategy is set to focus on finding value in the market and young talents eager to prove themselves. Club officials believe they do have room to spend money if necessary and still comply with financial regulations, however, despite significant losses over recent year.
One area Lampard may be able to exploit to achieve his goal of making the squad more "robust" is the loan market. Chelsea allowed a number of promising players to join other Premier League clubs this season - several of whom had impressive spells. Two dozen players left the club to gain first-team football and several could be assessing their futures - including looking to move elsewhere either temporarily or permanently.
The impact of the ongoing takeover of the Stamford Bridge club and associated upheaval may also create opportunities for Lampard to use his relationship to strengthen Everton.
*Check out the Chelsea names that could be of interest to Lampard HERE.
