Report: Leeds keen on Pennington move as Everton eye new contract

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Leeds United and Everton both appear to see Matthew Pennington in their future plans, according to reports.

According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds remain keen on trying to sign Matthew Pennington on a permanent basis at the end of the season, but appear to face an uphill battle trying to get something done with Everton interested in handing the defender a new contract at Goodison Park.

Pennington appeared to be one of the Whites’ shrewdest acquisitions during the summer. The 23-year-old came in on a season-long loan to bolster a back line that had suffered dramatically when Kyle Bartley returned to Swansea City at the end of his loan spell.

A bright debut was ended prematurely by injury, and it has seemingly been a similarly frustrating story throughout the campaign. Pennington has struggled for form when he has been fit, and the fans’ negative reaction to his performance in the weekend win over Barnsley was not exactly an anomaly.

It may perhaps surprise fans therefore, that the Yorkshire Evening Post is not only reporting that Leeds hope to agree a permanent deal with the centre-back, but Everton also want to discuss fresh terms with Pennington about extending his contract.

Do Leeds stand a chance with Everton keen to keep him?

While Pennington has not made anywhere near the same impact, the situation somewhat mirrors what went on with Kyle Bartley last summer with Leeds keen to sign a loanee with 12 months remaining on his contract with his parent club, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Bartley would ultimately commit his future to Swansea, but with Pennington’s deal running until 2019 – as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post – Leeds may perhaps have hope that the outcome could be different this time if Pennington has any desire to stay at Elland Road rather than probably return to the periphery of the Toffees side.

If Pennington decided that he wanted to stay at Leeds, Everton may decide that selling is the best move for them and the Whites would presumably be lurking to see if they could get something done.