Everton ready to back away from Idrissa Gana Gueye contract talks - expert
Everton are about to back away from talks over a contract extension for veteran midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.
That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the two parties are unlikely to reach an agreement over a new deal.
The 36-year-old is due to depart the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a free agent at the end of June, but his entourage remain in discussions with the club to try to find a solution.
However, Wyness believes that his former club are now prepared to step away from negotiations and pivot towards a younger option in the middle of the park.
Gueye was in a similar situation last summer, but eventually penned a new one-year deal on Merseyside, with the option to extend that by a further season.
That extension option is now the source of the debate at the Hill Dickinson, but Wyness believes that the writing is on the wall for the Senegal international.
Everton ready to say goodbye to 'fantastic servant' Idrissa Gana Gueye
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Gueye has been a "fantastic servant" to the club.
The former PSG man has made over 230 appearances across his two spells with the Toffees, but could be about to say an emotional goodbye.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness made it clear that he expects Everton to go down a different route.
"I don't think the Gana Gueye contract is going to get extended," he said.
"I think that may be the one area that we see a move to bring youth into place. Gueye has been a fantastic servant for the club when he's been there.
"He's brought incredible energy, but moving forward, I think it may be time to look at that position."
Everton backed to seal Jarrod Bowen transfer this summer
Wyness also told Football Insider that a move for Everton to sign West Ham star Jarrod Bowen is currently "50/50."
The England international has also been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool after the Hammers' relegation, but Wyness feels his connection with David Moyes shouldn't be "discounted."
The Scot signed Bowen from Hull City during his time in charge at the London Stadium, and Wyness feels that he holds the key to a potential deal once again.
However, he also noted that Everton's true chances of signing the winger may hinge on the player's willingness to move away from London for his next move.