Everton urged to seal defender transfer this summer with club scouting Nottingham Forest star Joe Worrall

EVERTON have been urged to chase the signature of a defender this summer to sort out their ongoing defensive crisis – with Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall reportedly of interest.

The Toffees are serial offenders for leaking goals this season, shipping 52 in their 30 league games so far.

Worrall has even featured in goal this season following Brice Samba’s sending off in FebruaryGetty

Worrall meanwhile has been impressing for a revitalised Forest side in the league, whilst also helping contribute to the slaying of Arsenal and Leicester in the FA Cup.

Now, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones has told Football FanCAST that centre-back is a position essential for Frank Lampard to strengthen in the summer.

Jones said: “They obviously need centre backs, and I think they’ll probably sign a very good one in the summer to try and fix their problems.”

Everton have been reported to be interested in the former Rangers man Worrall, with the Liverpool Echo claiming that scouts from the blue side of Merseyside were in attendance as Forest bowed out of the FA Cup to Liverpool in March.

This season, Everton’s defensive woes have been well documented, with Michael Keane in particular being criticised for his performances.

The England international has scored two own goals already this season, tripling his total Prem tally in what has been a difficult season for the 29-year-old.

Worrall however, has been part of a back line which has kept 13 clean sheets, following a dramatic turnaround since Steve Cooper took over at Forest earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has also been an essential part in the club’s current fine form, playing every minute in their unbeaten run which currently stretches to 10 matches.

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Incredibly, he event went in goal during their recent match against Stoke City after team-mate Brice Samba was sent off after Forest had made all their substitutions.

While Everton will be looking to secure their place in the Premier League before contemplating signings, they are almost certainly going to have to sell regardless of division next season.

The Sun reported last month that the Everton hierarchy may need to balance the books this summer, following a £121million loss last season.

This may mean that the Toffees will have to lose one or more of their high value players in order to make acquisitions such as Worrall.