Everton midfielder Tom Davies could now leave the club for free this summer once his contract expires at the end of June.
The ‘quality’ midfielder has been offered an extension by the club, though the 24-year-old could reject the proposal in favour of a move elsewhere.
Indeed, Italian side Monza are said to be interested in Davies, with a three-year contract on the table for the Everton academy graduate.
That is according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that the Serie A side see Davies as a potential recruit this transfer window.
The midfielder once showed great promise and had a memorable breakthrough season at Goodison Park, scoring a sensational goal in a 4-0 over Manchester City back in 2017.
However, the 24-year-old has fallen steadily down the midfield pecking order at Everton and has struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI under numerous managers.
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Davies flying the nest could see him rebuild potential career lost on Everton bench
Indeed, Davies managed just 616 minutes of football across 20 appearances last season as both Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche preferred other options in the middle.
With 155 Premier League games for Everton under his belt, Davies is already an experienced midfielder, but has underwhelmed in his development and has probably been a victim of the managerial revolving door at the Toffees.
A move elsewhere could provide the boyhood Everton fan with an opportunity to rebuild his stalled career, with minutes on the pitch at Goodison Park still likely to be limited.
Of course, Everton have offered Davies a renewed deal, but it is likely he will be seen as little more than a squad player and is unlikely to overtake the likes of Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner or Amadou Onana in midfield.
Few Everton fans would begrudge Davies the chance to move on to pastures new, though it is a shame that the academy graduate couldn’t fulfil his potential at the club.