Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly demanded more pace be added to Everton 's squad should he become the new Toffees boss.
The Merseyside outfit announced the decision to sack Frank Lampard on Monday evening, with the former Chelsea and Derby County boss leaving after less than a year in charge and in the middle of a two-and-a-half year deal. He managed to lead the side away from relegation last season with a late rally but has enjoyed no such luck this term.
Everton languish in the drop zone having won just three out of their opening 20 games of the campaign. Immediately after Lampard’s sacking was announced, thoughts immediately turned to his potential successor.
Names such as Sean Dyche and Nuno Espirito Santo were immediately linked with a move to Goodison, whilst former Leeds boss Bielsa was touted with taking over. He is reportedly interested but there appears to be some doubt over his interest in the role.
According to the Daily Mail, the Argentine has spent time analysing the make-up of the current squad on Merseyside with major surgery being demanded by Bielsa. It is suggested that the veteran manager is not overly keen on the current crop of players that would be at his disposal.
He believes that the side is too slow to play the way he would want to. As a result, he has demanded more pace be added to the side.
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It remains to be seen how the club attempts to rectify that issue going forwards - whether that be to turn to the transfer market or other methods. The Toffees spent heavily in the summer during Lampard’s only full window in charge.
They spent approximately £70m just a few months ago with the likes of Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil and Neal Maupay all among the club’s marquee signings - but the trio have struggled for consistency this season. They've also suffered a setback in their pursuit of Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma, with the forward reportedly holding talks with Tottenham.
He scored 16 goals in his first season with the Spanish club but has struggled to match that output this season with just two league goals to his name this term. Intriguingly, Danjuma previously laid down his demands regarding Everton’s new manager.
It was previously reported that he wanted assurances that the club were not set to appoint David Moyes as Lampard’s successor. With Bielsa among the front-runners, it appears that his wishes have been granted.
Despite that, a deal for Danjuma might not be as simple as first perceived with reports suggesting that Tottenham are attempting to hijack Everton’s move. The Toffees could also be set to cash-in on Anthony Gordon this January with a number of Premier League rivals such as Chelsea and Newcastle reportedly lodging enquiries.
