Everton have some interesting decisions to make over the coming weeks with the January transfer window set to open.
It is not just a case of identifying players who Everton may want to sign or sell, but also which players they could offer new contracts.
The Friedkin Group are close to sealing their takeover on Merseyside with the final formalities seemingly separating them and the keys for Goodison.
Sean Dyche continues to be questioned about the future of some of his players during his press conferences.
One of the players whose contract is set to expire over the coming months is defender Michael Keane.
Speaking to Everton News, TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey has provided some clarity on the centre-back’s situation.
Michael Keane of Everton celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Everton FC at Portma...
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Everton’s Michael Keane not set to sign pre-contract agreement
It has been suggested Keane was set to hold January talks over his Everton exit with foreign clubs ahead of the summer.
The Times even claimed the 31-year-old was expected to sign a pre-contract agreement with teams from Italy showing an interest.
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However, Bailey has told Everton News that the Toffees are not aware of this with the defender holding an extremely good relationship with the club.
“With Keane set to be out of contract, I haven’t heard anything about him signing on the dotted line in January. Everton haven’t heard that either,” he said.
“Not that he needs to tell them, but he’s on good terms with them. We’ll see how that one progresses, obviously he’s on a lot of money. He’ll sort of get the same deal again if he does stay.”
This is a player which would be a big miss around Finch Farm with Dyche praising Keane as Everton’s best trainer.
But, as his contract winds down, there is still no breakthrough over a potential new deal.
Jake O’Brien’s opportunity at Everton could arise
Since singing over the summer, Jake O’Brien has endured some real issues in working his way into Dyche’s plans.
Jarrad Branthwaite has struggled with injuries this season, but the Ireland international has been unable to uproot James Tarkowski or Keane from the starting XI.
If the Toffees are looking set to lose Keane on a free, perhaps Dyche makes the decision to promote O’Brien ahead of the 31-year-old to gain some experience.
2024/25 Jake O’Brien Michael Keane
Appearances (starts) 4 (2) 11 (11)
Minutes played 214 1020
Goals 0 2
Tarkowski hailed O’Brien as a player with huge potential for the future but the youngster has really struggled for minutes since landing on Merseyside.
That is presuming the Everton boss keeps his job with Bailey also informing Everton News that The Friedkin Group will sack Dyche in the New Year.
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