Koeman delivers verdict on reported PL centre-back move
By Matt Farr
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has ruled out the possibility of Phil Jagielka leaving the club on Tuesday.
The transfer window is set to slam shut on Tuesday night, and the veteran Everton centre-back had been linked with a last-minute departure from Goodison Park.
However, despite reported interest from Premier League rivals Sunderland and a potential reunion with David Moyes, the current Toffees boss has admitted that he wants to keep Jagielka on board.
When asked if the 33-year-old would leave, he told the Mirror: “No, no. No, because we need more than 11 players.
“I spoke to Phil and he accepts it – we spoke about his position and the need to fight like everybody who is not involved or starting because we need competition.
“We have a squad and those not starting need to fight. We need competition. I understand it’s difficult, he’s the captain, but we like to keep him because he can play an important role to the end of the season.”
Jagielka has made 16 appearances for Everton in all competitions this season, but with Koeman looking to inject a fresh, younger face into his back-line this month, his time at the club looked to be coming to an end.
Koeman has been tracking the progress of Burnley defender Michael Keane, admitting to the press on Monday ahead of their clash with Stoke that he was interested in signing the player.
He was quoted by Liverpool Echo journalist Phil Kirkbride on Twitter saying: “He [Keane] is one of that list. Defenders in that position. But I heard he’s on more lists of different teams.”
Even if Koeman attempts to push through a deadline-day deal for Keane, it would not be as an immediate replacement for Jagielka – although that would be the long-term goal.
Youngster Tyias Browning has just signed for Preston on loan until the end of the season, leaving Koeman with only four centre-backs, including Jagielka.
Football Insider verdict
There’s no real need for Everton to part with Jagielka just yet. He has been a loyal servant over the years, and his contract does not expire until the end of next season. He may be getting towards the end of his career but he is still a valuable asset to Koeman and Everton. He’s part of an experienced back-line at Goodison Park, alongside Leighton Baines and Ashley Williams; while the likes of Mason Holgate and Browning will have benefitted from having players like Jagielka to learn from and look up to. He has a much greater role at the club than just spending time on the playing field and that’s the value that Koeman recognises. Keane would be a fantastic addition, but it is right to keep Jagielka onboard – at least for a little while longer.
In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees have agreed a £7.5million deal for these two outcasts.
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