Carlo Ancelotti to talk with Leighton Baines before Everton final game

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Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says he will speak with Leighton Baines about his future before the club’s final Premier League game of the season against Bournemouth.

As things currently stand, the former England international is poised to leave Goodison Park with his contract expiring.

Baines, 35, joined the club from Wigan Athletic back in 2007 and has chalked up over 400 appearances for the Toffees.

He has arguably been one of the most consistent full-backs the Premier League has known, often featuring for over 30 league matches a season.

Due to his age, Baines has played less in the last couple of years, with Lucas Digne now established as the first-choice left-back.

On whether Baines will be around next season, Ancelotti said (quoted by Liverpool Echo): “We have to wait for his decision. He can be a player but also he can be part of this club.

“I don’t know in which position but for sure he can be part of this club.”

“I think he will take a decision this week or at the end of the game. We don’t have to wait a lot.

“Before the game I’d like to talk to him about this, as always Leighton is so professional and every decision I take he understands.”

TBR’s View – Everton should retain Baines

It seems from Ancelotti’s comments that the door is open for £65,000-a-week star Baines (Spotrac) to take up a non-playing role.

It would surely be beneficial for the club to keep him around even in a coaching capacity, given the vast experience he has of the English top-flight.

The man has been an outstanding servant for the club and surely has plenty of pearls of wisdom to offer younger players, particularly full-backs.