Report: Everton now want to sign rival club's captain, he's already called them a 'top club'

By Ben Evans

Everton are interested in signing Wolves captain Conor Coady to help bolster their defensive options, according to Sky Sports.

Frank Lampard is said to want the 29-year-old England international to add some experience to his back line.

Coady has been at the heart of Wolves’ defence for the past seven years since signing from Everton’s biggest rivals Liverpool.

The sweeping centre-back has three years left on his £16,500 per week deal at Molineux, and Wolves would like to keep Coady at the club.

However, Sky Sports’ report says Wolves are sympathetic to Coady’s desire to be in Gareth Southgate’s England squad in Qatar and his playing time in the Midlands may be reduced this season.

The arrival of Nathan Collins for £20.5m could see a reduction in playing time for Coady, and Lampard is keen to swoop in and pick up the defender.

Everton interested in signing Coady

Coady would be joining an Everton squad that already consists of five senior centre-backs.

However, reports suggest that the Toffees are keen to offload some of their highest earners, including Yerry Mina.

Coady has more than 150 Premier League appearances under his belt, and Everton’s interest suggests Lampard is keen to permanently switch to three at the back this season.

Everton have already reinforced their defensive options this summer, signing James Tarkowski on a free transfer from Burnley, and signing former Wolves left-back Ruben Vinagre on loan.

Bringing in Coady would be a good signing if Lampard is looking for more leaders in the squad.

And, encouragingly, he’s already described his potential suitors as a ‘top club’ – despite his obvious allegiances to Liverpool.

However, Everton’s more pressing concern will be their lack of attacking options, after confirmation that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss the start of the season.