Report: Everton Player in Last Year of Contract Attracting Interest from European Clubs

Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Spain and Italy.

The 26-year-old is in the last year of his current deal so would be free to leave the Blues at the end of the season.

There is an option of a year’s extension which if triggered would see Myko remain at the club until 2027.

Indeed, as per Foot Mercato, David Moyed has no immediate plans to part with the Ukrainian.

However, the report does state that this stance could change should an attractive offer be tabled.

Myko has been a mainstay in defence since his 2022 arrival from Dynamo Kyiv, and it would be unwise to let him go in January.

The Toffees lack depth at full-back and summer arrival Adam Aznou is not yet ready for first team action.

However, while his attitude and work rate are commendable, Myko has always lacked real Premier League quality.

FULL-BACK POSITIONS MUST BE PRIORITISED IN UPCOMING WINDOWS

He’s relatively consistent defensively, though offers nothing going forward and is often a hindrance in attack.

On a number of occasions already this season, a move has broken down once the Ukrainian has received possession of the ball.

We’ve been spoiled at left-back in years gone by, with Leighton Baines and Lucas Digne both exceptional for the Toffees.

An upgrade at left-back would be ideal in terms of squad development, as indeed would a functioning right-back.

Moyes has been forced to rely on centre-back Jake O’Brien who has done well whilst out of position.

However, his limitations in his current role are becoming increasingly apparent with teams targeting our right side.

While new recruits on both sides must be priorities in upcoming windows, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with Myko.

Perhaps there are plans to trigger his contract extension and see if an ‘attractive offer‘ arrives next summer.