A trio of Everton stars are ‘very close’ to signing new long-term contracts.
Anthony Gordon, Jordan Pickford and Alex Iwobi remain locked in talks over plans to extend their respective spells in the senior ranks at Goodison Park.
The Blues’ hierarchy are keen to cement Gordon’s future with his hometown club following interest from Tottenham and Chelsea during the summer.
England international Pickford has also been touted with a move away amid speculation of interest from Premier League counterparts Manchester United.
Iwobi, meanwhile, is set to be rewarded for his renaissance since the turn of the year coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Frank Lampard’s side.
Asked about the latest developments, the Everton manager replied: “Close. That’s the update for you, all good.
“Hopefully it’s a situation where we want the players to stay and they want to stay here.
“That’s always been the feeling. We’re very close.”
Lampard also believes that Everton can match Pickford’s ambitions to someday compete in European competition like his England teammates.
He added: “I feel we can (match his ambitions).
“I don’t think it’s straightforward to look at any individual in terms of what their ambitions are.
“Jordan is England’s number one and has secured that position relatively which has been an amazing achievement by him because we know how difficult that is.
“He’s played for Everton and was a huge reason we had a great run towards the end of last season and stayed in the league.
“Jordan, everybody knows, was a massive part of that. Jordan feels very happy being at this club, I don’t want to speak for him but that’s the impression I get from him.
“I like to think he’s very happy here. We’re a huge club with a huge history and big ambition and he’s a big part of that.”