Two Everton deals all but done as multiple stars on their way out – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon have “set the bar” for earning a new contract with Everton stars like Demarai Gray and Abdoulaye Doucoure sweating over their long-term future.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted everyone is “fighting for their future” at Goodison Park with Frank Lampard keen to “put his own stamp” on the squad.
Sources told this site on Monday (19 December) that Everton have agreed the terms of a new contract with Iwobi – which will see him land a “big” pay hike on his current £90,000-a-week deal.
The Nigeria international has played the full 90 minutes in 14 of his 15 Premier League appearances after becoming a key man in his new central midfield role.
Iwobi has laid on six assists for his teammates across all competitions this season.
Gordon is also reportedly close to signing a new “long-term” Toffees deal amid interest from Chelsea and Tottenham.
Gray and Doucoure are among the players out of contract at Everton in the next 18 months.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think everyone is still fighting for their future at Everton.
“This still isn’t Frank Lampard’s side yet. He’s made signings, but he’ll want to keep on putting his own stamp on the team.
“I think the two who have been given the new contracts, Gordon and Iwobi – they absolutely deserve it.
“Iwobi has shut a few people up with how he’s started this season, and it looks like he’s coming good.
“They’ve shown these other players the level at which these kinds of negotiations can start.
“Lampard has set the bar high, and if these guys can’t reach that level – then they won’t be getting a new deal.”
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor claims Everton will accept “£70million” Anthony Gordon offer with deal close.