The Athletic journalist Patrick Boyland has been discussing the contract situation surrounding Everton left-back Leighton Baines.
As revealed in early June, the 35-year-old defender was offered a one-year extension to remain at Goodison Park for the 2020/21 season (per BBC).
However, the latest update from the club only revealed that Baines had agreed to stay with the Toffees until the end of the current season on a short-term deal (per Everton).
So, with the contract offer to Baines still hanging in the balance, in the latest episode of The Athletic’s Gwlad Tidings podcast Boyland discussed the situation.
He said: “You look at the amount of time that’s passed since he was offered the new contract, the fact that he didn’t sign straight away or kind of relatively soon afterwards means there is a degree of doubt over this.
“That’s just reading between the lines rather than something that is coming directly from the player or the club.
“[Carlo] Ancelotti said he was hopeful after the Norwich game and that, of course, everybody wants him to stay. But it’s not done and dusted, which creates that doubt.
“I think it would be a blow to lose him.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he believes there is some element of doubt from the player over whether he will sign the new deal.
Do you want Leighton Baines to stay at Goodison Park for next season?Yes, he needs to stay
No, he can go for me
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With a relatively decent 6.65/10 average rating from six Premier League appearances this season (per WhoScored), the 35-year-old defender has shown that he is still capable.