Leighton Baines’ Goodison Park future remains in limbo ahead of the publication of Everton’s released and retained list, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The 34-year-old’s £70,000-a-week contract with the Toffees is due to expire on June 30, at which point the long-serving left-back would become a free agent.
Marco Silva, however, is keen for the veteran defender to remain a part of his first-team for at least another twelve months, and is thought to have offered Baines a one-year deal so that the Kirkby-born ace can remain the deputy to Lucas Digne next season.
But ahead of the publication of the club’s released and retained list on Friday, no decision has yet been announced, as Baines opted to fly out to America with his family following the end of the Premier League season to contemplate the offer.
It had also been said that the 30-cap former England international could leave Merseyside and move north of the border to connect with former rival Steven Gerrard at Rangers, although the Daily Record have since poured cold on the suggestion.
The Scottish publication believe the rumour of a move to Ibrox was nothing more than social media gossip, and that while it gained traction among certain supporters, the tale was very wide of the mark.
Rangers’ interest may or may not have been playing a part in Baines’ delay in announcing his decision to accept or reject Silva’s proposed one-year extension, but confirmation either way of his Goodison future is not far off.
The publication of the released and retained list on Friday will also shed light on Phil Jagielka’s future with the Toffees, as the 36-year-old is also out of contract at the end of the month.