Everton have confirmed that Rangers target Tom Davies has rejected an offer of a new contract with the club and is leaving on a free transfer.
Davies joined the Everton academy at the age of 11 and went on to make 179 appearances for their first team, scoring seven goals. They have been the only club of his career to date; he didn’t even have to endure any loan spells away earlier in his career.
However, a change is now on the horizon for Davies, who reaches the end of his contract at the end of this month. Everton have today confirmed that he has rejected their offer to extend his deal.
Therefore, the former England under-21 international will have to find a new club. He will turn 25 on the day his contract with Everton officially comes to an end, so is at an important stage of his career.
Indeed, Davies wants to be playing regularly and was not convinced that would happen under Sean Dyche at Everton. After all, he only played 20 times in what can now be confirmed as his final Everton season; Dyche was responsible for giving him nine of those appearances.
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Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s director of football, confirmed via their official website: “We offered Tom a new contract, but he feels he has reached the stage in his career where he needs regular first-team football and, as a result, he wants to look at alternative options away from Everton.
“As a lifelong Evertonian and proud Scouser, Tom has always given everything for the Club. We respect his decision and thank him for his service and commitment. Everyone at Everton wishes him the very best for the future.”
Rangers among admirers of Tom Davies
As noted by talkSPORT, Rangers have been interested in taking Davies north of the border to the Scottish Premiership. They could also offer him European football.
Back in January, their manager Michael Beale said: “Tom Davies, he used to kick my Liverpool Under-23s team all around the place. There’s a bit of John Lundstram about him.”
However, Rangers will not be alone if they revive their pursuit of Davies, since the Daily Telegraph – in a report highlighting how Everton desperately need to replenish their own squad after another confirmed exit – suggests there will be interest in him within the Premier League.