Burnley and Sunderland emerge as names to sign Everton midfielder as departure ‘likely’

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Everton will be keen to assess their options over the summer when their squad is being put together.

It is going to be a busy summer for David Moyes who will finally be able to put his stamp on the squad.

With so many players running out their contracts at Everton, significant additions are going to be required to really bolster the side.

Everton have already held transfer meetings, where the four key areas eyed for improvement has been discussed.

Alongside requiring new faces, Moyes will also be keen to handle their exciting youngsters who could potentially play a part next season.

The main name on the lips of many across Merseyside will be Harrison Armstrong.

Speaking to Everton News, TBR Football’s Chief Correspondent Graeme Bailey has now shared his understanding on the 18-year-old’s future at the club.

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Harrison Armstrong expected to leave Everton on loan

Having departed for the second half of the season, Armstrong has really impressed at Derby County in his short-term loan deal.

The Championship is viewed as the ideal level for the midfielder to continue his development as he enters the world of men’s football.

And Bailey thinks the 18-year-old could potentially be sent back out to the Championship next season, with Moyes keen for him to play regular football.

“Harrison Armstrong is a top young player. He has been very good for Derby and to perform like he has in such difficult circumstances, I would not underestimate what he has done,” Bailey told Everton News.

“I am told another loan is likely, but I would not be surprised to see him given pre-season with the first-team – but that will depend on what we see happen with Gueye and Doucoure etc.

“I think Derby would certainly have a chance of getting him back, but let’s see who loses players – the likes of Brownhill, Hackney, Rigg, Neil etc could leave and if they do – could those sides be in for Armstrong, I would not rule it out – he is a very good player.”

Blackburn Rovers are showing an interest in Armstrong ahead of the summer, but a lot will rest on where these Championship clubs play next season.

Burnley has since been promoted to the Premier League, but that could still provide an interesting decision for the Toffees.

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David Moyes ready to hand Armstrong Everton opportunity

With the midfielder playing regular football at Pride Park, Moyes has been watching Armstrong play his football at Derby.

Armstrong’s loan to Pride Park has certainly been a worthwhile one considering the amount of game time he has been handed by John Eustace.

Speaking to the media last week, Moyes admitted Armstrong will be looked at by Everton over the summer.

But a loan does seem to be the most likely outcome.

“Start of pre-season, we’ll bring him back in, and then we’ll decide then,” he said.

“We like him and we want him around. But we might think about another loan, but credit to him for going to the Championship and getting a starting position.”