Everton have reportedly identified Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Leander Dendoncker as a potential summer transfer target.
Despite only narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season, the Toffees have only made one first-team addition during the current window.
Frank Lampard has stressed that Everton require more than just the signing of Burnley defender James Tarkowski to improve their fortunes in 2022-23.
That message was conveyed stronger as the Merseyside outfit succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to MLS side Minnesota United in a friendly earlier this week.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lampard is keen to sign "an extra quality midfielder" in an effort to improve their efforts in the centre of the pitch.
Everton want to sign an extra quality midfielder. Frank Lampard has also Leander Dendoncker in the list, he's appreciated by board and manager. Everton, ready to explore this move in the next weeks. 🔵 #EFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2022
Contract with Wolves expires in 2023, with option for further season.
Romano adds that Dendoncker is one of the players that has recently been added to the club's shortlist of potential additions over the next six weeks.
That decision is likely to have been influenced by sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who knows the versatile Belgian from his time at Molineux.
Dendoncker has represented Wolves since their return to the Premier League in 2018, making a total of 98 starts and 22 substitute appearances in the top flight.
A further 34 outings have come in cup competitions, the 27-year-old largely being used in central midfield despite also being capable of featuring in a back three.
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Everton are said to be preparing to explore a deal over the coming weeks, aware that Wolves are keen to generate their own funds to boost Bruno Lage's transfer budget.
While Dendoncker currently has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at the West Midlands outfit, Wolves can extend the player's contract by another year.
Earlier this month, Everton were heavily linked with fellow Wolves player Morgan Gibbs-White as they look to strengthen their options in the final third.
Everton have allegedly already failed with a proposal worth £25m with Wolves said to want in the region of £30m to consider a sale this summer.
Although Gibbs-White is yet to show a willingness to extend his contract past 2024, the England Under-21 international started each of Wolves' friendlies on Wednesday and Thursday.
Darren Plant
