Pete Hanson

Tue 9 May 2023 20:49, UK

Abdoulaye Doucoure conceded it is proving “very difficult” to find an agreement with Everton over a new contract, saying “the club knows my position”.

The Mali midfielder scored twice as the Toffees gave their Premier League survival hopes a shot in the arm with a shock 5-1 hammering of Brighton on Monday, leaving Everton two points clear of the relegation zone.

Doucoure has returned to favour under Sean Dyche having fallen down the pecking order under predecessor Frank Lampard but, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, his future is shrouded in doubt.

Everton do have the option to trigger a 12-month extension but have so far not exercised that right and Doucoure opened up on his situation.

“The club knows my position. Since even a year ago. Now, obviously, it becomes very difficult for us to find something well between us, to find an agreement,” he said in quotes reported by the Liverpool Echo.

“I am doing my job at the moment and we are going to see at the end of the season. But I am focused on keeping Everton up.”

Everton need swift resolution

Doucoure’s future is clearly intrinsically linked to whether Everton manage to retain their Premier League status or not.

With their financial situation looking pretty precarious should they drop into the Championship, the powers that be are probably viewing Doucoure as an expense they can chop off the wage bill.

But the midfield general is a vital cog in Dyche’s midfield and if they manage to beat the drop again this season a resolution must be found.

Doucoure was superb against Brighton and also scored crucial goals in 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Chelsea back in March.

Finding a replacement to match the calibre of Doucoure will cost the sort of money Everton simply will not have to spend in the upcoming transfer window.

Farhad Moshiri and the Everton hierarchy have a lot of issues to solve in the summer, both on and off the pitch, and Doucoure’s contract is certainly among them.