Everton are interested in handing young defender Matthew Pennington a new contract at Goodison Park, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The 23-year-old is currently on a season long loan at Leeds United and the West Yorkshire club are said to be interested in keeping Pennington at Elland Road on a permanent basis.
Pennington joined the Whites in order to bolster a back line that had lost a big character in Kyle Bartley, who returned to Swansea.
Although the Toffees academy graduate had an impressive debut for Leeds against Bolton, his season has been often disrupted by injury and he has come under heavy criticism at times by United supporters.
The news of a new contract may come as a surprise to Everton fans, however, the versatile defender has played seven games for the first team, scoring one goal against Liverpool at Anfield.
The final decision is ultimately in Everton’s hands, however, if Pennington decides that he wants to stay at Leeds then allowing him to move may be the best option for all parties.
