Everton left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko has now made his stance crystal clear as he plays into the final year of his contract on Merseyside.
The summer proved a steep learning curve for The Friedkin Group in their first experience of the summer window as the Everton owners.
David Moyes saw Adam Aznou signed during that transfer window, but the young left-back is yet to make an impact.
It has been suggested that Aznou could consider a loan away from Everton in the January window to pick up more regular minutes.
There remains a heavy reliance on Mykolenko, who has been a real mainstay in the starting XI over recent years.
Mykolenko did suffer an injury earlier in the season, which saw James Garner excel in his makeshift role at left-back.
However, the Ukraine international remains the first choice, and he’s just shared his stance on inking a new deal at Everton.
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Vitaliy Mykolenko shares new Everton contract message
It has already been suggested that Mykolenko isn’t ready for new Everton contract talks ahead of the January transfer window.
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The 26-year-old defender’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, but he’s keen to end some early speculation.
Speaking to Ukraine journalist Viktor Vatsko, Mykolenko has shut down the rumours that he does not want to discuss a new deal with the Everton chiefs.
“I don’t know where you read that,” Mykolenko responded to the suggestions.
“Ah, that’s all, of course. That I don’t want to negotiate [contract] with Everton is a complete lie, because we just haven’t talked about it yet.”
“I know my agent will be talking to Everton representatives soon.”
Following the new contracts for Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski, it is believed that Everton plan to hold contract talks with Mykolenko as well as James Garner.
The defender is seemingly open to the idea of discussing his future on Merseyside, but Everton do remain in need of further competition for his starting spot.
Everton need an attack-minded upgrade on Mykolenko
In January, Everton are set to target a new right-back who can provide a bigger attacking threat in comparison to Jake O’Brien.
The same could easily be said for needing more in Mykolenko’s position.
Under Moyes, Troy Deeney has praised Mykolenko as underrated, but it is becoming clear that he is not offering enough going forward.
Vitaliy Mykolenko Total (per 90) Percentile
Shot-Creating Actions 0.09 9
Passes Attempted 40.49 12
Progressive Carries 1.06 7
Successful Take-Ons 0.21 9
Progressive Passes Received 3.24 25
Everton’s two starting wingers, Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, have been exceptional this season, but having some creativity come from the full-backs would be a huge help.
With this in mind, it will be interesting to see whether a long-term upgrade could be targeted for Mykolenko.