JESSE LINGARD may only join Everton as a last resort despite optimism of his capture within Goodison.
Lingard is now a free agent after leaving Manchester United.
Toffees boss Frank Lampard sees him as a major target.
And the Warrington-born target would not even have to move house if he switched to Goodison.
But the 29-year-old is understood to be wary of moving to a club with major money worries.
They were last week forced to sell Richarlison to Tottenham for £60million to avoid a Prem points deduction over a potential break of financial fair play regulations.
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Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin may also have to be sacrificed to raise funds.
Most transfer business by Lampard this summer will involve now fees with Burnley’s James Tarkowski the first such arrival.
Meanwhile West Ham boss David Moyes who in season 2020-21 had Lingard on loan is keen to bring him back permanently.
Tottenham are also interested with manager Antonio Conte looking to add more homegrown players to his squad.
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Conte has already brought in attackers Ivan Perisic and Richarlison as well as Yves Bissouma further back.
But Lingard would offer something in between primarily as a creative midfielder where he has previously shone for England.
Despite a largely underwhelming season, playing 540 minutes of football across 21 appearances, the 29-year-old is seen as a "low-risk" signing, the report adds.
Newcastle are also understood to be considering an approach for the attacking midfielder.
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