Everton discuss new contracts with Iwobi and Gordon
Iwobi's present contract has 18 months left to run
Everton are looking to finalise new deals for Anthony Gordon and Super Eagles playmaker Alex Iwobi which will secure the long-term futures of two of Frank Lampard’s key players.
Discussions with Gordon started after a £40 million bid from Chelsea was rebuffed in the summer and are heading in a positive direction.
His existing deal does not expire until 2025, but the England Under-21 winger is keen to extend his stay at Everton and has been working with Lampard on his finishing during the Premier League hiatus.
Gordon, 21, suffered a broken hand just before the break in the domestic schedule, but is fully fit to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Talks with Iwobi, 26, have also been progressing, with the Nigeria midfielder having earned a fresh deal to replace his present contract, which has 18 months left to run.
Under Lampard’s tutelage, Iwobi has been utilised as a No 8 and has performed to a consistently high standard for a number of months.
The Everton manager will be hoping the former Arsenal player can now kick on and increase his influence on a team who sit 17th in the table.
Both Gordon and Iwobi will be asked to add more goals to their game and improve Everton’s offensive output as they look to move clear of the relegation zone.
A decision to release the striker Salomón Rondón from his contract six months early comes with Lampard having to assess the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who went into the break for the World Cup nursing shoulder and knee injuries.
