Fabrizio Romano has shared a significant exit update out of Everton this afternoon.
Everton brace for Man City in race for Europe
Everton face a tough test on Monday night as they take on Man City, with the visitors arriving in strong form and firmly in the title race.
Everton manager David Moyes looks on during the warm up before the match
It is a daunting fixture for Everton, who are still trying to find consistency as the season heads towards its final stretch.
Recent results highlight the challenge.
Everton have picked up just one win from their last five league matches and come into the game on the back of consecutive defeats, underlining a dip in momentum at a crucial stage.
City, by contrast, are on a long unbeaten run in the league and have built real rhythm in recent weeks, making them one of the toughest opponents in the division right now.
That contrast in form sets the tone for what could be a difficult evening.
EVERTON MOYES Related
Everton make contact to re-sign former star who 'half the Premier League' want
The Toffees want the in-demand player back on Merseyside.
Everton have shown they can compete against the best this season, but lapses in concentration and a lack of cutting edge have cost them points.
The aim now is to stay solid, frustrate a top side and try to take something from a game where expectations are naturally lower.
Off the pitch, though, attention is already beginning to turn towards the summer window, and that is where the latest update from transfer expert Romano comes into focus.
Despite the immediate focus being on the City test, there are already important developments happening behind the scenes. One of the biggest involves the future of left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko.
Everton 'on the verge' of new deal for Vitalij Mykolenko
According to Romano, Everton are on the verge of agreeing a new deal with Mykolenko, with talks currently ongoing and advancing.
Everton's Vitalii Mykolenko
The Ukrainian, Romano says, will stay for longer and remain part of Moyes' project.
This signals a clear intention from the club to secure one of their key defensive players for the long term rather than risk uncertainty further down the line.
Mykolenko has become a regular presence in the side since arriving from Dynamo Kyiv, establishing himself as a dependable option on the left.
Still in his mid-20s, he fits the profile of a player entering his prime years, which makes this a logical moment for Everton to act.
The timing is also important. With his current deal moving closer to its final stages in 2027, opening negotiations now gives Everton a stronger position.
It avoids the risk of the situation dragging on and potentially attracting interest from other clubs if no agreement is reached.
Vitaly-Mykolenko
From a football perspective, keeping Mykolenko would represent a degree of stability in a squad that has undergone plenty of change.
Everton have had to navigate financial limitations and reshape parts of their team in recent seasons, so holding onto established, reliable performers is just as important as bringing in new faces.
Rather than focusing solely on transfers, the club appear keen to secure the core of the current squad. That approach can help build continuity, something Everton have lacked at times over the years.
For Mykolenko himself, the situation offers clarity. Regular football and a defined role have helped him develop, and a new contract would underline his importance to the team moving forward.
It would also provide reassurance to supporters, who have seen key players come and go.
john-stones-man-city Related
Alongside Stones: Everton also plotting move to sign £30m attacker this summer
Friedkin mean business...