Everton are working through their list of players whose contracts run out next summer, Vitalii Mykolenko being one of them.
The summer just gone offered David Moyes a real headache when it came to what players he would be able to keep at the club.
Significant player turnover was seen over the summer at Everton, but there were some familiar faces to stick around.
This time around, Everton have been active in tying players down to new deals to avoid a similar situation to what they experienced earlier this year.
Everton News understands that James Garner’s contract talks are expected to be accelerated over the coming weeks on Merseyside.
Mykolenko is a player whose contract is also running down to the final months.
Speaking to Everton News, transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has shared what he’s hearing about the Ukraine international’s future.
Everton v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Vitalii Mykolenko contract latest at Everton
Mykolenko has said he’s open to staying at Everton beyond his current deal, as he expects talks to start soon.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
The Ukraine international has proven integral to the starting XI under Moyes and even during Sean Dyche’s time on Merseyside.
Bailey has now shared the feeling coming out of Finch Farm, with Everton now just weeks out from Mykolenko being able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club.
“Let’s not beat around the bush. There is a worry there that they might lose him. There is a worry that what are we six weeks away from him being able to sign a pre-contract,” Bailey told Everton News.
“It’s not ideal and so the coming weeks are going to be integral to their plans. They want him to stay, but these coming weeks are going to be very, very telling.”
“I think his name is going to come up a lot more going forward and he does have a lot of fans on the continent.”
“So, they are working hard on it. They’re hoping to have him done by the end of the year.”
Moyes has demanded more from Mykolenko in recent weeks, with the left-back yet to provide a goal contribution this season.
But this is still a player who has offered great consistency on Merseyside now 132 appearances into his time at the club.
Everton’s left-back options need addressing
Everton News is aware that a new full-back is on Everton’s radar for January, as well as the addition of a striker.
Currently, Mykolenko is the only player receiving minutes in that position, given the current concerns surrounding Adam Aznou.
It is believed that Everton would be open to loaning Aznou in January to try and boost his development.
Season (Premier League) Total goal contributions
25/26 0
24/25 3
23/24 2
22/23 0
21/22 1
Playing Mykolenko week in and week out has worked for Everton in recent years, but an injury could still cause some issues.
James Garner may have impressed playing at left-back but Everton need a player who is capable of competing with Mykolenko for the starting spot in Moyes’ XI.