Everton now have ‘upper hand’ in Armando Broja race amid £30m update – pundit
Frank Lampard’s relationship with Everton target Armando Broja could give him the “upper hand” in the race for the striker’s signature this summer, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the bond between player and manager is “crucial”.
According to the Daily Mail (4 July), Everton have made official contact with Chelsea to indicate their desire to sign Broja, 20, this summer – with a fee of around £30million mooted.
Football Insider revealed last month (4 June) that West Ham have registered their interest in signing the Albania international – while Newcastle have also been linked.
Toffees boss Frank Lampard was in charge at Chelsea as Broja earned his first professional contract in February 2020 – and handed the striker his Premier League debut just a month later.
When asked if the relationship will have any bearing on Everton’s bid for the forward, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, I think it does.
“We’ve seen it many a time already in the Premier League. We’ve seen it with Jesse Marsch at Leeds United, we’ve seen it with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
“I think the relationship between player and manager is crucial, absolutely. Having a bond which has already been created – it makes a move easier.
“There is already that trust between player and manager, and both parties know what to expect from one another.
“I think it gives Everton the upper hand. If there are two clubs vying for a player, the advantage goes to the manager with the existing relationship.
“Lampard knows what Broja can bring to Everton, and the player is probably keen to play under Lampard again.”
In other news, Football Insider has an update as Everton ready bid for Premier League star.