Everton are reportedly preparing for life without Leighton Baines, who is expected to sign a one-year deal at Goodison Park.
According to a report from the Liverpool Echo, Everton are already considering potential left-back targets for next summer with Leighton Baines expected to sign a new one-year deal at Goodison Park.
There had been question marks surrounding Baines’ future on Merseyside with Lucas Digne establishing himself as a key man in Marco Silva’s side during his first campaign with the Toffees.
The veteran’s contract is set to expire in the coming weeks, but the Liverpool Echo reports he is set to sign a deal that will keep him at the club for another 12 months.
And the Echo reports that Everton are already making plans for Baines’ probable departure by identifying young targets that they could end up pursuing next summer.
It appears to be a smart move to have one eye on the future with Baines now into the twilight of his career. And if Digne continues to perform at the level he has been at since arriving in England, the Toffees are also going to have to be prepared to fend off interest in the Frenchman.
Getting potential targets identified now could make life a lot easier when Baines moves on. He may not be as influential as he once was, but his departure is going to leave big shoes to fill, so the longer they have spent preparing, the better.
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