Baines to stay at Everton?

“I have no doubts Leighton is a big part of our squad, he is a really important part of our squad. 

“If he plays 10, 15, 20 games or if he plays five or 10, he is a really important player for me, for our club, an important player for our dressing room also. If he is in the last year of the contract of course it is a possibility for him to renew his contract also.”

Those are the words of Everton manager Marco Silva, who seemed to indicate that Leighton Baines could be offered a new contract with the Toffees. The 34 year old’s contract will be coming to an end in the summer, and given that he’s no longer a first team regular for the club, some will be surprised to learn that he’s being given another shot.

The former England international was once considered to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League, which is likely one of the reasons why Everton feel inclined to show him the respect of offering him another deal.