Earlier this week, the Liverpool Echo reported that Everton were close to offering left-back and fan favourite Leighton Baines a one-year deal to keep him at the club.
The reported extension would represent great business for the Toffees, as the 34-year-old has been integral to the Toffees’ cause for the better part of a decade, and will be a vital presence in the dressing room.
But the Echo also reported that the future of club captain Phil Jagielka remains uncertain, with the defender in the dark about whether he will remain at Goodison Park next season.
Everton must offer the defender a new, short-term deal to keep the influential leader on Merseyside.
Under Marco Silva, Jagielka has seen his playing time drastically reduced. The centre half made just two appearances in the opening 26 Premier League matches of the season, playing just 54 minutes.
Since late February, the former England international has made four appearances and taken the captain’s armband. Most notably, Jagielka scored the winner in the 1-0 win over Arsenal, a glorious moment for the defender.
Despite his advanced age — he will be 37 at the start of the next season — his presence and leadership qualities are vital at Goodison Park.
Silva would do well to keep Jagielka at Everton for a further year and reward the loyalty and poise of the centre back – just as he wants to do with Baines.
