Everton manager Marco Silva has confirmed that the club are in talks with Phil Jagielka over his future at the club while admitting that 24-year-old Kurt Zouma could have a big say in what happens.
The English defender has not been a mainstay for the club this season, with Zouma and Michael Keane Silva’s preferred duo at the heart of the defence, and with a contract that comes to an end this summer there are doubts over whether he will remain on Merseyside.
Silva revealed talks were ongoing over the “special situation” they find themselves in but that the future of Chelsea loanee Kurt Zouma could be the decisive factor depending on whether the England international stays or leaves this summer.
Asked if Zouma’s future at the club would determine what would happen to Jagielka, Silva told the Liverpool Echo: “It could have an impact.
“We are talking with Jags and, like always, being really clear and honest with him – not just because it’s Jags – but it is a special situation, we have to be honest. We are speaking with him and we will keep speaking with him over the next few days.”
Opinion
It cannot be easy for Jagielka to have his future hanging up in the air. He would no doubt like to know exactly whether he is going to stay at Goodison Park or if he should be searching for a new club, with plenty of sides likely to be keen on taking an English international to help bolster their defence despite him heading into the final years of his career. The scenario Everton would want most is for Zouma to stay, which would in turn give Jagielka the green light to depart this summer after his years of service to the club. However, Chelsea’s transfer ban adds another complexity to and already difficult situation and it is why the Toffees have not pulled the trigger on letting the veteran defender leave just yet. The sooner Everton get an answer over the Frenchman, the better for all parties involved and final plans can be made for the summer ahead.