Sam Allardyce has raved about Everton right-back Jonjoe Kenny as he finalises talks on a new three-year contract, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The regional newspaper claim that Kenny, 20, is closing in on improved terms that would see him tied to Everton until 2020.
It is said that the Merseysiders are in advanced discussions with the representatives of the academy product, who joined the club at the age of nine and has been given a serious role in the senior set-up this campaign.
The 20-year-old has started the last eight league games and has reduced the need for Big Sam to rush Seamus Coleman back to full fitness from a broken leg.
Recently appointed manager Allardyce has hailed the character and temperament of Kenny.
“He’s been a huge bonus for filling in that position,” said Allardyce, as quoted by the Echo. “It looks like it’s the place he’s comfortable in and for a young man to play at this level, under these pressures and look comfortable with it, is fantastic to him and to the club for bringing him through the Academy.”
OPINION
In Kenny, Everton have a young gun with the potential to be a Premier League star for the next 10 years. He has kept his head above water despite the troubles at Goodison Park this season, putting some of the senior players to shame with the quality and consistency of his performances. Kenny has made 14 appearances in all competitions, with his commitment and calibre on the right side helping to overcome the absence of Coleman. The academy product has particularly dazzled in recent games and his defensive solidity against Liverpool was warmly appreciated by Evertonians. Kenny has proved he is not just one for the future, but the present as well.