Braiden Graham in action for Everton
Braiden Graham in action for Everton
It is little secret that the Toffees endured a miserable end to the summer transfer window.
Everton's decision to allow Beto to join Fiorentina without having a replacement ratified backfired spectacularly.
A move for Folarin Balogun collapsed at the 11th hour, and meant Thierno Barry was the only senior striker left on the books for David Moyes.
It has, though, presented the opportunity for young forward Graham to get experience of first-team match days.
The 19-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and academy director Dean Rastrick has provided an update on the process of Graham's renewal.
What's the latest with Braiden Graham's Everton contract talks?
Graham has been on the bench for 10 competitive Everton games this season, though has yet to make his senior bow.
The teenager's form in Everton's academy has already seen him earn his first call-up to Northern Ireland's senior team this season.
While Graham's contract comes to an end in June 2027, there is seemingly no panic behind the scenes.
Everton have been locked in talks over an extension for several months, though as yet no agreement has been announced.
But Rastrick, who joined Everton in the summer, said in an interview with the Athletic remains hopeful the parties will reach a consensus.
He said: "We’ve had loads of conversations with Braiden and his family. I would hope we can get to a place where we can get a contract agreed.
“Braiden’s a typical 19-year-old. He’s impatient, wants to play. But he’s getting an incredible experience and opportunity.
“We have ongoing conversations about the plan and what he needs to do. There’s no big divide.
“Ultimately, every time you speak to him, it’s ‘I just want an opportunity, I just want to play at Everton’.”
Everton will want to make progress on Braiden Graham
There appears a calm around the situation between Everton and Graham.
But, with his contract entering the final months, there will be a desire for progress to be made on talks.
David Moyes is biding his time with Graham, which is understandable because he will not want to dent his progress.
There is real hope that the 19-year-old will be the latest to make the jump from the academy to the first team, though.
And to protect that, Everton will have to make progress on finding a solution that suits all parties.