Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Conor Coady could leave Everton after his loan spell ends, even if they stay up in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Permanent deal expected

It was reported last month that Everton 'expect' to sign Coady on a permanent deal this summer, as they have a £4.5m option to buy in his contract.

They 'fully intend' to trigger the option, and Sean Dyche is thought to be a 'big admirer' of the central defender.

Coady himself is 'very happy' at Goodison Park, and would be 'eager' to stay rather than go back to Wolves.

The Latest: Uncertain future

Speaking to GiveMeSport however, Jones says that there are 'doubts' Coady will stay if the Merseyside club are relegated, but contrary to reports, staying up does not necessarily mean that he will stay either:

“If Everton go down, there are definitely doubts about him staying, even if they stay up, I’m not wholly sure if he's going to be staying either. It's a strange one, but Conor Coady is an uncertain situation.”

The Verdict: Keep him

Coady may have lost his place in the starting line-up in recent games, but Dyche's team should still be looking to keep him beyond this season, with £4.5m a potential bargain for what he could offer.

The England international has actually been one of the Toffees' standout performers, ranking highly among his team-mates for average aerial duels won, as well as clearances, blocks and passes per match, while he has contributed a goal and an assist at the other end of the pitch (WhoScored).

He has also been lauded as having ‘quality‘ and leadership skills by pundit Noel Whelan, and is a great character to have in the dressing room, regardless of whether he starts games or not.