Everton defender Luke Garbutt last night edged closer to a move away from Goodison Park after it emerged that the out-of-contract youngster has been offered deals by Premier League rivals Swansea City and Bournemouth (Liverpool Echo).
The 22-year-old full-back, who has impressed in his 10 appearances for the Blues this season, is widely expected to leave the club when his contract runs out at the end of June, as he seeks assurances of regular first-team football.
Currently behind England left-back Leighton Baines and fan favourite Bryan Oviedo in the Toffees pecking order, it is believed that Everton want Garbutt to sign an extended deal and will do all they can to persuade to do so in the coming months, however, this is unlikely to tempt the promising England U21 international to remain at the club.
In recent weeks, Brendan Galloway has been prefered to Garbutt in the absence of first choice duo Baines and Oviedo- a further hint, perhaps, that Roberto Martinez and his staff are preparing for life without the gifted left-footer.
“He’s been part of a very successful story, as another academy graduate who has been given a chance in the first team,” noted Martinez in a recent interview.
“He is now in a situation where he wants to think. It is not 100% what he wants to do and that is something we have to respect.
“Obviously, we want to keep him, but the player needs to be fully on board and we should find out very soon.”
Merseyside rivals Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the left-back, although the Echo understands that such a move is unlikely to materialise, as the Anfield club focus on adding to their porous attacking options.
In the likely event that Garbutt were to leave, it is thought that Everton would receive £3-4 million in compensation, although such a fee would be subject to agreement from an independent tribunal.
