Neal Maupay shares update on Everton future live on talkSPORT
Everton striker Neal Maupay confirmed that he'll be back at the club for pre-season training following his loan spell at Brentford last season.
Speaking to Jeff Stelling on talkSPORT [2 July, 08:36], the French forward said that while Brentford did have an option to make his loan move a permanent one this summer, the Bees are yet to do so.
Therefore, the 27-year-old will return to Merseyside for the start of pre-season training at Finch Farm next week, rejoining the ranks of Sean Dyche's side ahead of the new campaign.
Maupay said: "It's pretty simple - I was on loan at Brentford last season; they had an option (to buy).
"They haven't taken it yet though, so we're through the end of June and I will be back next week at Everton."
Everton ready to cash in on Neal Maupay transfer
Brentford choosing not to exercise the buyout option for a player who scored more goals for them on loan last season than he has across two years with the Toffees, isn't the best of signs for Maupay [Darren Bent, 12 June].
The Bees may have been waiting until after the 30 June profit and sustainability threshold for 2023/24 to complete a signing, but their hesitance implies that the striker will be staying put at Goodison Park.
However, that's caveated by Maupay's lack of end-product and goals return during his time in Blue so far, scoring just once across 32 appearances in all competitions.
The Toffees face an anxious wait over the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a striker far ahead of Maupay in the pecking order, and could be on the hunt for replacements if their first-choice number nine departs [Liverpool Echo, 1 July].
It's highly unlikely that Dyche will see Maupay as the answer up front for his side next season, and although the Frenchman will be back for pre-season training in the coming days, it's becoming increasingly difficult to picture him being at the club for much longer.
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