Frank Lampard has already asked to sign Wolves centre-back Conor Coady permanently next summer, reports journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Coady impressing at Everton

The 29-year-old left Wanderers during the summer transfer window, sealing a loan move to Everton after finding himself out of favour and in need of a fresh challenge.

Coady has shone in his first few months at Everton, proving to be an influential player at the back and ensuring that his side have the best defensive record in the Premier League currently, in terms of goals conceded.

The Merseyside club will have the option to sign the Englishman for good next summer for around £4.5m and it appears as though that is now on the cards.

The Latest: Lampard wants permanent move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips confirmed that Lampard has been hugely impressed with Coady and wants to acquire his signature on a permanent deal in 2023:

"I was actually told some weeks back that Frank Lampard has already asked the Everton board to sign Coady, he has no doubts."

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The Verdict: Feels inevitable

Unfortunately, it feels as though Coady's time at Wolves has reached its natural conclusion, having racked up 317 appearances and been hailed as 'one of the best' people in football by Bruno Lage.

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The centre-back is performing at a high level at Everton and looks happy to be back in the city where he grew up, so staying on will surely appeal to him at the end of the current campaign.

At 29, Coady isn't getting any younger, however, so Wolves may feel they are losing him at around the right time, with their incoming new manager planning for life without him.