Everton tempted to offer new contract to exit-linked player - report

Everton had several players who were on the verge of leaving in the winter transfer window.

Beto’s future under David Moyes was uncertain, although Everton‘s failure to sign a striker meant he remained in L4.

Nathan Patterson was subjected to late interest, but again, the Toffees couldn’t find a replacement.

Meanwhile, Dwight McNeil’s last-minute move to Crystal Palace collapsed.

Tyrique George was the Toffees’ only new signing, and it’s clear that Moyes didn’t want any players to leave due to the stretched nature of the squad.

However, they are now at risk of losing a key player ahead of the summer, and they could offer him a new contract to tempt him to stay.

Everton set to offer Vitalii Mykolenko new contract amid interest from elsewhere

Vitalii Mykolenko’s contract expires in June, and clubs are now allowed to make a pre-arranged agreement with the Toffees to sign him at the end of the season.

Since moving to L4 from Dynamo Kyiv in 2021, he has been ever-present in Everton’s defence, and it would be a big blow to see him leave on a free transfer.

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that while his long-term future at the club may be uncertain, there is a decent chance Everton exercise their option to extend his deal.

This would be in order to protect his transfer value, and it would allow them to sell him for a sizeable fee later down the line.

It was reported last week that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing the Ukraine international on a free transfer.

Bournemouth and Galatasaray are also linked with Mykolenko, and Everton will need to act quickly before he is snapped up by another club.

It was also reported that the Toffees will focus on signing a new left-back in the summer, which could leave the 26-year-old second in the pecking order.

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Everton need much more depth at left-back

Everton would be stretched if Mykolenko were to sustain a serious injury, and Jarrad Branthwaite is the most likely option to cover him at left-back.

Adam Aznou was linked with an Everton exit in the winter transfer window, and it’s clear that Moyes doesn’t trust him.

It’s not a shock that the Toffees want a new left-back, and they’re also lacking options on the right-hand side of defence.

Whether Mykolenko deserves a pay rise is another question, but he could command a significant transfer fee if he was tied down to a new contract.

If Everton do decide to let him go, they may have to heavily invest in securing a more capable replacement.

Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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