David Moyes spoke about the contract status of a couple of his players in his pre-match press conference to preview Everton's game with Aston Villa
David Moyes speaking ahead of Everton's game with Aston Villa
David Moyes speaking ahead of Everton's game with Aston Villa
Everton manager David Moyes has hinted that James Garner might not be in the final year of his contract. And he is backing Jordan Pickford to sign a new deal with the club.
When Garner, who filled in at left-back against Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion – scoring in the latter – before reverting to his usual central midfield role, joined Everton from Manchester United in 2022 for an initial £9million, it was reported that he had signed a four-year deal, which would take him up until 2026.
However, when asked about the prospect of offering a new contract for the player if he was now in the final 12 months in his pre-match press conference to preview Saturday’s game against Aston Villa, Moyes said: “I don’t know if he’s in the last year of his contract. I’m sure there will be a clause in there where we’ve got him so, I couldn’t even answer that question.”
The Blues boss then turned to head of media Andy Neild who accompanies him at all press functions, who remarked: “We don’t go into clauses.”
However, Moyes, who had earlier spoken about Premier League Player of the Month Jack Grealish’s challenge to get back into the England team, played up Garner’s credentials for breaking into Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The Birkenhead-born ace has been capped 18 times by the Three Lions at Under-21 level having also represented his country at U20, U19, U18 and U17 levels but is still waiting for a senior call-up.
Moyes said: “He’s an incredibly versatile player and we're very fortunate to have him.
“Actually, I got asked a question earlier about the England team, I think if I was on the England staff, I would be keeping a close eye on Jimmy Garner with the way he's performing at the minute – I think he’s played really well.”
One player who is a regular for England is Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who has been undisputed first choice for his country since making his international debut in a goalless draw at home to then World champions Germany on November 10, 2017.
The 31-year-old's current contract runs until 2027, but the ECHO understands he is open to accepting a new deal to keep him at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the rest of his career.
Moyes believes club bosses will be eager to get negotiations concluded successfully and said: “He’s done brilliantly well over the years. I had him at Sunderland when he first started.
“No doubt, we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure we get Jordan re-signed.”