Everton are understood to hold a one-year extension in Vitalii Mykolenko’s contract.
Mykolenko is one of the players on Merseyside whose future is seemingly hanging in the balance ahead of the summer.
As was the case 12 months ago, a number of Everton players could depart the club as free agents.
Who should Everton be keeping and letting go this summer? 🫣
Jack Grealish in action for Everton
Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus
That may not be the case with the Ukraine international, with The Friedkin Group believed to hold a one-year extension clause in his current deal.
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Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Everton hold a one-year extension clause for Vitalii Mykolenko
Bundesliga clubs remain interested in Mykolenko, following interest over January from other European outfits.
The Friedkins may be able to cover themselves from a free agent departure, with BBC Sport understanding Everton hold a one-year extension clause in his deal.
Vitaliy Mykolenko’s contract expires in the summer, what should Everton do with him? 🤔
Offer him a new deal? Let him go for free? Sell him in January?
Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton
Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington
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Mykolenko remains David Moyes’ only senior option at left-back despite some of his glaring issues.
Losing him this summer could cause the club a real headache, but it may not come to that given the development shared by the BBC.
Keeping the established defender around would be an easy win for the Friedkins, who must avoid losing senior players as free agents.
The Friedkins must prevent Everton from losing Mykolenko
There is no hiding from Mykolenko’s deficiencies.
At the weekend, Mykolenko did not impress in the Merseyside Derby, but for most of his time at Everton he has proven to be a solid defender.
Losing him this summer would leave Angus Kinnear with the significant task of adding two left-backs in the transfer market.
Everton need to provide Mykolenko with competition through a player capable of providing an attacking threat from left-back.
Moyes has demanded more from Mykolenko, but the 26-year-old does demand a lot of credit for his constant availability.
Although an upgrade should still be on the radar, Everton should not be allowing a player of Mykolenko’s financial value to walk out of the club on a free.
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