Marco Silva has refused to discuss the future of Leighton Baines, amid rumours surrounding a summer exit.
Baines’ current Everton deal expires at the end of the season, and at 34, the club have a big decision to make.
The left-back has been one of the most consistent players at Goodison Park in the last decade, playing 408 times for the club.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Silva revealed his admiration for Baines, but didn’t confirm or deny that a new contract would come his way:
Leighton deserves all our respect, not just because he has been playing here for many years to a high quality, but for the professional he is.
Even when he is not playing he is always there helping. I know his behaviour, even on the bench. What the future is we will see at the right moment.
The impressive form of Lucas Digne has seen Baines struggle for playing time this season.
He has just five appearances to his name, fueling speculation that his future lies elsewhere.
Baines can remain an able deputy to Digne, however, should the club decide to give him a new deal.
