Frank Lampard wants Everton to be calculated in the transfer market but does not believe they need to sell players in order to buy this month.
Speaking as efforts to strengthen his squad continue, he re-iterated the need to improve his attacking options. The Blues boss has said he hopes to have two new forward players to help boost a side that has struggled for goals.
He has said he believes there is money to spend and therefore the club will not be limited to the loan market - though it will have to be savvy. Everton are yet to make a move in the window, other than to recall young striker Ellis Simms from his loan move with Sunderland.
READ MORE: Amadou Onana floors Casemiro again as Everton fume at officials
READ MORE: 'He understands' - Conor Coady sends Frank Lampard message and addresses Everton board criticism
The return of Simms and the recovery of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has given Lampard additional options going forward since the top flight domestic season resumed while Demarai Gray has scored twice in three games and provided a threat from a central role in trips to Manchester City and Manchester United. But Everton have scored just once in each of the four games since Christmas Day. They have lost three of those fixtures and there is an acceptance the squad needs to be supported in the transfer market. That task may have added urgency following the loss of Alex Iwobi to an ankle ligament injury.
Ahead of Iwobi suffering that injury, Lampard was asked whether he needed to sell players in order for Everton to make a move this month. In response, he said: "No. If players were to move on, it would be for the good of them and the good of our squad."
Lampard said he had discussed transfers with those around him and added: "I am not naïve to the point that at some point you want to recruit at a certain level to attain what you want. You only have to look at who wins the Premier League each year to understand that it is great recruitment and great coaching. That is a massive thing for us, but again you want to recruit the right type of player especially at the top end of the pitch.
"It is not an easy situation and when Dominic is fit we know we have a top level number nine. Unfortunately, Dominic hasn’t been fit for a big part of the season and that has been an issue because goals affect games in a big way, they affect confidence in a big way. Natural goalscorers, as we have seen through the years, change teams or change league position. We want to improve there. I know the Everton teams who have been a success before have had Dominic, Richy [Richarlison] and before that Romelu [Lukaku] and these players have a big effect."
READ NEXT
- Demarai Gray dangerous but one man poor vs Manchester United
- Everton Fans' Forum send open letter to Farhad Moshiri
- Alex Iwobi injury blow after midfielder leaves FA Cup tie on a stretcher
- 'A lot of bad players' - Roy Keane delivers brutal verdict to Everton and Frank Lampard
- Manchester United vs Everton - score updates and analysis