Everton defender Conor Coady set for contract talks only whenever Toffees learn Premier League fate
The long-term future of Everton defender Conor Coady will be decided only once the Toffees know their fate for next season, according to manager Sean Dyche.
Coady joined the Merseyside outfit on loan from Wolves at the beginning of the campaign, with an option to buy included in the deal.
But having been a regular under Frank Lampard, the centre-back has been replaced in the starting XI by Michael Keane in recent weeks.
“Apart from the contract situations that were already in progress, like Jordan Pickford, the other ones there is a sense of let’s get the job done first,” said Dyche, as quoted by the Daily Mail. “The players are aware in due course we will have chats with them.
“Conor has been terrific. He is a top professional. Everyone will tell you he and Seamus (Coleman) were like that from a very young age and he has shown it by the way he’s dealt with coming out the side and getting on with his business.
“We will take it (his future) on in due course. The main priority is obviously to do with the team. Planning and preparation for the future is important but there are certain things that need to happen quicker, concentrating on the pitch and getting points on the board.”
Uncertain future
As noted by Dyche, securing Premier League safety will be of the utmost importance to all involved at the club, with Everton only just managing to stave off relegation last season.
Despite flirting with the drop in the previous campaign, little has been done to ease tensions at Goodison Park, although the club have definitely improved under the reign of Dyche.
The former Burnley boss has steadied the ship, picking up important points in his brief spell in the dugout.
And key to that success has been the central defensive duo of James Tarkowski and Keane, with Coady largely forced to watch on from the bench under Dyche.
The defender will certainly be hoping the Toffees stay up, but will also have one eye on his future, which remains up in the air amid his loan move from Wolves.
The Toffees continue their fight for survival when they host Tottenham at Goodison on Monday (3 April).