Tim Iroegbunam surely set for Everton stay after contract developments - view

Tim Iroegbunam could be set to stick around at Everton despite links away this summer.

The defensive midfielder hasn't exactly covered himself in glory in recent weeks and months after some frustrating performances.

That didn't stop him being a regular in the final games of the campaign as the Toffees struggled for results.

Missing out on European qualification looks set to spark David Moyes into making changes to his squad from the transfer market.

That didn't appear to be good news for Iroegbunam, who looked to be on his way out to help fund moves for other stars.

His future could actually now prove to be secure at Hill Dickinson Stadium as the exit door could now be blocked.

Tim Iroegbunam safe as Idrissa Gueye to be forced out of Everton

The 22-year-old needs to step up his performance levels after a mixed campaign on Merseyside.

Despite three campaigns as a Premier League player, he's never quite taken the next step in quality.

That is summed up by the fact Idrissa Gueye has remained a regular for the Blues despite being 36 years old.

Things could be set to change in that respect as the Senegal international looks set to be forced out when his contract expires imminently.

The Liverpool Echo reported on Tuesday that the midfielder had an option for a 12-month extension in his contract, but his 25 appearances weren't enough to trigger that clause.

The strange part of that is that he was completely left out of the last four Premier League games of the campaign.

That could point towards him being frozen out in order to not activate a contract extension so he can leave when his deal ends.

Although that may prove to be a controversial decision, it could prove to be the boost that Iroegbunam needs.

Ipswich Town likely to miss out on Iroegbunam now

The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been a stalwart on Merseyside but looks set to depart.

Although a new midfield signing would likely come in to replace him, it may mean that Iroegbunam is kept around for squad depth purposes.

That will serve as a positive for his career prospects in L3, but not so much to any interested parties.

Ipswich Town have been linked with a move after sealing promotion to the Premier League.

Should Everton keep hold of the defensive midfielder to cover for Gueye's departure, the Tractor Boys can wave goodbye to that possibility.