OPINION
Everton boss Marco Silva has a lot to smile about after thumping Manchester United 4-0 on Sunday.
The whole team impressed in what was a far cry from the performance against Fulham the week before, and he will be hoping to carry that on against Crystal Palace.
However, there are some players’ futures who need to be resolved, and one of them is that of centre-back Phil Jagielka, who has been a loyal servant for the Toffees since he signed in 2007.
The Daily Mail report that teammate Leighton Baines – who also arrived in the same year – is set to be offered a new one-year deal to extend his stay at Goodison Park.
The report says that talks over Jagielka’s future are ongoing, and to be honest, they should not leave the veteran defender hanging – they must secure his future, just like they have with Baines.
Giving the fan favourite one more year at the club is the best way for him to bow out of the game – it would be harsh to let him go this summer considering that he has only appeared six times this season. He may be 36-years-old, but still has a little bit left to offer.
It would save Silva having to recruit a new centre-half this summer too, so essentially it is an ideal situation for everybody involved. Yes, he would not be a regular – but he is the perfect back-up if the likes of Michael Keane get injured.
Some may view this type of decision as a risk, but the fans know Jagielka well enough now that he will always put a shift in whenever he plays.
A player of his experience should not be left waiting – so over to you, Silva.