Everton's transfer plan for Jack Harrison confirmed

Sean Dyche is hopeful that Everton will be able to explore the possibility of bringing Jack Harrison back to Goodison Park.

The 27-year-old has been a key part of the club’s efforts this season, featuring in 29 Premier League matches despite a campaign that started, and which will end, in injury.

Blues boss Dyche was full of praise for Leeds United loanee following the win over Sheffield United and said assessing the club’s financial picture to see whether there was potential for a deal was “an ongoing process”.

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Harrison was unable to take part in the final home game of Everton’s season after pulling a hamstring in training. After the 1-0 win, which took the club’s points tally to 40 even with eight having been deducted, Dyche confirmed Harrison was unlikely to play a role in the final game of the campaign at Arsenal.

Asked if he had received any indication whether there would be scope to bring him back next year, Dyche said: “We will wait and see. The first thing was making sure we were safe, then once we were safe we could re-evaluate the internal truth with the financial side of what we can do, so that will be an ongoing process.”

Harrison is a popular figure at Finch Farm and maintained a significant role on Saturday despite his injury, supporting the players involved in the game, watching from the stands and then heading onto the pitch after the final whistle. This summer is set to be a challenging one for Everton, with player sales already at the forefront of director of football Kevin Thelwell’s mind and with the loan and free market expected to be the first port of call for incomings.

But Harrison has earned the trust of Dyche on and off the pitch. Discussions over where his future lies will be defined by what clarity Dyche and Thelwell receive over their budget and whether Leeds return to the Premier League through the play-offs or not.

Asked for his thoughts on Harrison, Dyche said: “He has done very well. His tactical understanding is excellent, in two roles really, wide or in the number 10 spot. His work ethic is excellent too. I still think there is more with his talent because he is very talented - we see it in training and I have spoken to him about unlocking that. Over the season I think he has done very well for us and been a consistent performer.”