Everton are in talks with Alex Iwobi over an improved new contract.
Iwobi has become a pivotal figure for Frank Lampard’s since since the turn of the year and opened the scoring in last weekend’s loss to Manchester United.
The Nigeria international is midway into a five-year deal signed following his arrival from Arsenal in summer 2019 but is now in line for a fresh extension.
Lampard confirmed on Thursday that the Blues’ director of football Kevin Thelwell has entered into discussions with Iwobi’s camp over a new deal.
“I know that Kevin is speaking with Alex’s people on that front so we’ll see how that one develops,” said the Everton manager.
He added: “At the moment, I think he’s one of the best midfield players in the league in terms of being a No.6 or No.8.
“His development has been brilliant. It’s a funny one, I think there was a perception about Alex when I came in, and it’s all his work.
“All I’ve done is support him and try to maybe adapt the position slightly, the rest is him.
“I felt and always saw he’d be dangerous in the middle area of the pitch.
“Opening the pitch up more centrally was a big help for him and then the rest is him.”